Halton Youth Collective Impact

Empowering Youth, Enriching Futures: Youth Collective Impact Program

The Halton Youth Collective Impact Program is a supportive initiative designed to empower youth aging out of care, who are known to be at risk of dropping out of school, having difficulty finding employment, and becoming unhoused. Launched in 2019 as a pilot, our program focuses on helping youth work on education, employment, and training, in order to help them transition to independence.

How it works:

Youth between the ages of 18-24 who are already under the care of Halton Children’s Aid Society through the Voluntary Youth Services Agreement, gain access to:

• Education, employment, and training opportunities tailored to their needs and aspirations.
• Guidance and mentorship from adult mentors who are community members.

Understanding the Challenges:

Through our program, we’ve identified the top 5 barriers our youth face:

• Mental Health Challenges: Struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns can make it difficult for youth to focus on their goals
• Financial Barriers: Limited financial resources can hinder access to education, employment, and other opportunities
• Food Insecurity: Not having enough to eat can impact physical and mental health, making it harder for youth to thrive.
• Transportation: Lack of reliable transportation can limit access to education, employment, and other essential services
• Learning Disabilities: Managing learning disabilities, such as dyslexia or ADHD, can create additional obstacles for youth, making it challenging to access education and employment opportunities and achieve their full potential.

The Power of Mentorship:

Our trained adult mentors play a vital role in the success of our program. As community members, they bring diverse experiences and perspectives, offering valuable guidance and support. Through regular interaction, our mentors help youth build confidence, develop life skills, and make informed decisions about their futures.

Removing Barriers:

Our mentors have been instrumental in helping our youth overcome challenges they face. Specifically, mentors have been very helpful in removing barriers by:

• Being available to answer questions and provide guidance
• Offering advice, comfort, and help when needed
• Helping youth connect with other community services to meet their needs

Our Response:

At the Youth Collective Impact Program, we’re committed to addressing these challenges head-on. We work closely with our youth to understand their unique needs and develop personalized support plans. Our mentors, staff, and community partners collaborate to provide wrap-around support, connecting youth with resources, services, and opportunities that can help them overcome barriers.

Supports and Assistance:

A range of supports and assistance help our youth succeed. Some examples include:

• Mental Health Services: Access to counselling, therapy, and other mental health resources
• Food Insecurity Assistance: Support with food costs, meal planning, and nutrition education
• Driving Lessons: Financial support and resources to help youth obtain drivers’ licenses
• College and University Applications: Guidance and financial assistance for the application process
• Field of Study Supplies: Financial assistance with supplies and equipment related to their field of study
• Technology: Access to computers, tablets, and other digital devices to support education and employment goals
• Work Safety Clothes: Financial support for work-related safety clothing and equipment
• Regulated Professional License: Assistance with the costs associated with obtaining a regulated professional license

Support Our Youth:

You can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth. Here are two ways to get involved:

Become a Mentor

We’re seeking caring and committed individuals to serve as mentors to our youth. As a mentor, you will receive training and have the opportunity to build a positive relationship with a young person, offer guidance and support, and help them achieve their goals. If you’re interested in learning more about the mentorship program, please contact us.

Make a Donation

Your financial support can help us provide essential services and resources to our youth. Donations can be directed towards specific areas, such as education, employment, or mental health support. Every gift counts, and we’re grateful for your consideration.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact us.

Together, we can empower youth and enrich their future!