Pathways | Victoria Youth Empowerment Society (YES)

Victoria Youth Empowerment Society (YES)

Addictions / Substance Use, Food, LGBT2Q+ Community, Mental Health - Child & Youth, Services for Youth, and Sexual Health

Provided by Victoria Youth Empowerment Society (YES)

Provides prevention, intervention, treatment and education for youth, their families/caregivers and the broader community.

Programs offered are:
Alliance Club:
An evening drop-in centre for youth (aged 13-19). Provides a safe, healthy alternative for youth who may be hanging out in the downtown core, as well as providing a connection point for street entrenched youth who may wish to explore a more positive lifestyle. Services include meals, shower and laundry facilities, hygiene products, clothing, computer and TV access, WiFi and drop-in support. The Alliance Club is a safe and welcoming place for youth of all genders and identities.

Kiwanis Emergency Youth Shelter:
KEYS is a 10-bed facility that provides emergency housing for youth (ages 13-18) of all genders who are homeless and/or have no safe housing alternatives. The program offers assistance 24 hours 7 days a week. KEYS is a dorm-style residential setting offering up to a 7-night stay, depending on the needs of the youth and their family/caregivers. Services include Individual assessment and planning, Access to basic needs services (including meals, showers, clothing, hygiene products), Connections/referrals to community supports, Assistance with job searches, resume building and skills for independence, Assistance with housing searches and community housing referrals, and Individual support.

Specialized Youth Detox:
A 5-bed non-medical withdrawal management facility serving the youth of Vancouver Island. A voluntary program for youth (aged 13-18) that requires acute physical detoxification. The program offers youth the ability to stay up to 10 days to detox and stabilize both physically and emotionally. Also provides support to youth and their families/caregivers seeking assessment, consultation, referrals, and assistance with pre-and post-withdrawal treatment planning. Works with youth and their supports to develop a plan so each youth has an opportunity to meet their personal goals. Referrals are accepted directly from the youth, families, MCFD, and/or other community service providers.

Life Skills Program:
A goal-oriented program that recognizes goals are fluid and may change from time to time. Goals are client-directed and can include, but are not limited to, housing, school, employment and coping skills for mental health. The program is designed for youth, ages 12-19, who may or may not be attending school, are having difficulty finding or maintaining employment, experiencing barriers that may be impacting their ability to maintain in school/home, and/or are unable to sustain independence without additional supports. Referrals are accepted directly from the youth, families, MCFD, and/or other community service providers.

Youth Food Pantry:
The VYES Youth Food Pantry provides youth aged 13-19 access to healthy, culturally relevant food options, household items, hygiene products, and clothing. The Food Pantry also offers skill-building workshops around food, cooking, and budgeting for grocery trips. The Food Pantry is a welcoming, anti-oppressive and trauma-informed space that is youth-friendly. All of the food, supplies and workshops are free of charge.

Youth & Family Support Services:
The YFSS program provides support, short and longer-term counselling and outreach services to youth (12-19) and parents and/or caregivers. The objective is to provide the necessary interventions required to support the safety, well-being and reunification of youth and their families by increasing the family’s capacity to deal with the issues that have caused family challenges.
Counsellors are available to youth and their families in an office setting through scheduled appointments. The Outreach worker is available to meet youth in the office and in an outreach and community-based capacity. The YFSS staff team work collaboratively to support youth and their families. Referrals are accepted directly from the youth, families, MCFD, schools and/or other community service providers.

Youth Services Outreach Program (YSOT):
The Outreach program provides initial and immediate contact with youth, ages 12-19 and their families in need of services. This program provides emotional and practical support and crisis intervention to reduce risks to youth and their families. The Youth Outreach team is a direct access point for community professionals, youth and families in crisis.

Summer Opportunities Program:
The Summer Opportunities Program (SOP) is a voluntary, drop-in, day program designed to provide vulnerable youth (aged 13-19) with a safe and healthy environment, fun activities, basic needs and emotional support during July and August each year.

Youth Wellness Program:
The Youth Wellness Program was created as a response to the mental and physical health challenges youth have faced as a result of the Pandemic, in particular isolation, loneliness, and increased anxiety. It supports youth to develop life skills and participate in health-focused activities.

Supported Independent Living Program:
A program that provides services and support to youth and youth adults (ages 15-23) as they transition to adulthood. SIL Support Workers focus on addressing transitional services to meet the core needs of youth aged 15-23 while they gain independence and become self-sufficient. The program integrates accommodation support, personal management skill building and individual support services as components in order for youth to make a smooth transition to living independently.

Youth Recovery Groups:
Youth Recovery Groups offer a safe, supportive space for youth to explore and build their recovery journey. Led by experienced youth workers, these groups use the evidence-based SMART Recovery model to help participants develop practical tools to support their recovery. YES is currently offering two different groups, one for youth who are interested in recovery and one for those who would like to maintain their recovery.

VYES Volunteer group:
Offers low-barrier opportunities for youth ages 13-24 to build job skills and enhance their resumes through monthly sessions that alternate with certifications.

Queer Youth Connections:
This group is designed to be an inclusive and safe space where youth can access support related to their gender identity and connect with peers. This is a space where youth can be their authentic selves without judgment. The program offers a mix of leisure and skills-based group activities, including:

Art Workshops: Explore creativity through various mediums, encouraging self-expression and exploration of identity.
Sexual Health Education: Access informative sessions tailored to the needs of queer youth, fostering knowledge and confidence in personal health.
Queer and Trans Pop Culture/Media Discussions: Engage with and analyze representations in media, discussing their impact and significance.
Guest Speakers: Hear from inspiring figures in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, gaining insights and motivation from their experiences.

250-383-3514 (Main Office)

Public email: office_manager@vyes.ca

Website: http://www.vyes.ca/programs/

533 Yates Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 1K7

250-580-7394 (Queer Youth Connections)

Public email: wellness@vyes.ca

250-383-3514 (Youth Wellness Program)

Public email: wellness@vyes.ca

250-361-3923 (Summer Opportunities)

Public email: allianceclub@vyes.ca

Cell Phone: 250-217-1471 / Direct Line: 250-386-8282 (Answered 24 hours a day) (Kiwanis Emergency Youth Shelter (KEYS)

Public email: keys@vyes.ca