We are deeply committed to uplifting and empowering youth aged 12-25 through a community-driven initiative. Our multifaceted approach integrates training, education, talent nurturing, peer networking, and mentoring to provide a robust foundation for personal and collective growth.

We aim to equip young individuals with the skills and support they need to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities on their journey to realizing their full potential.

Our Programs focus on youth empowerment and skill development through the following initiatives:

Life Skills Development

Embarking on a journey beyond the fundamentals, our Life Skills program is a comprehensive initiative that not only covers essential aspects such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence but also strategically hones skills that significantly enhance employability.

We understand the vital intersection between personal development and professional success. Our commitment extends beyond personal development; it is a strategic investment in the future workforce, where each individual is not only equipped to face life's challenges but is also primed for success in their chosen careers.

Programs

Career Choices

In our Career Choices program, we go beyond a mere exploration of various career paths; we offer a personalized and comprehensive approach that empowers youth to discover their strengths, address weaknesses, and chart out a tailored career plan. Through workshops, mentorship opportunities, and skill-building sessions, we guide each individual through a process of self-discovery, fostering informed decision-making about their future endeavors.

Our Career Choices program is not just an exploration but a transformative journey. We empower youth to make informed decisions about their futures, ensuring that they enter the professional world with confidence, competence, and a clear sense of purpose.

Financial Literacy

we recognize that empowering youth with the knowledge of budgeting, saving, investing, and making sound financial decisions is not just about personal financial management but also a key deterrent against potential vulnerabilities, such as being drawn into local gangs due to financial troubles. Our Financial Literacy program goes beyond the basics, addressing the pressing issue of how financial instability can impact the lives of young individuals and providing practical solutions to break the cycle.

Financial literacy is not just about accumulating wealth but also about responsible planning. Our program guides youth in creating realistic financial plans that allow them to live comfortably within their means. By instilling principles of responsible spending and financial planning, we aim to break the cycle of economic instability that could lead to risky associations.

Diversity and Inclusion

Embracing diversity and promoting inclusion lies at the heart of our mission. Our Diversity and Inclusion programs go beyond mere acknowledgment of differences; they actively celebrate cultural diversity, encourage cross-cultural understanding, and cultivate a profound sense of belonging. We recognize that we are living in an increasingly diverse world, and our programs underscore the importance of not only embracing this diversity but also learning to listen to different perspectives. We advocate for a paradigm where individuals neither fall victim to biases nor subject others to biases.

We empower participants with the understanding that they need not be victims of biases nor contributors to biased behavior. Through education, open discussions, and experiential learning, we foster a mindset that promotes fairness, empathy, and the ability to challenge preconceived notions.

Reconciliation

YSS acknowledges this land, now known as Canada, as the land of the First Peoples (Nations), Inuit, and Métis. YSS aims at fostering and encouraging meaningful and respectful services for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth.

Our reconciliation programs understand that anyone can be a victim of trauma, and the aftermath of a difficult upbringing can profoundly shape an individual's present and future. Rather than defining individuals by their past experiences, our programs acknowledge the transformative power of resilience and the healing potential.

We believe in the transformative power of healing and resilience, and we are dedicated to supporting individuals on their path to a positive and empowered future.

Mental Health

In our commitment to prioritizing mental well-being, our Mental Health programs extend beyond creating a safe space for open discussions, stress management techniques, and coping strategies. We recognize that mental health is often influenced by one's environment and circumstances, and thus, we have developed a comprehensive approach to provide the right resources and tools to address mental health issues at their root.

Our programs are designed to be proactive, identifying and addressing mental health challenges that may arise due to environmental or circumstantial factors. We understand that the youth we work with may encounter unique stressors related to their background, and therefore, we tailor our resources to be culturally sensitive and responsive to their specific needs.

Program Implementation

Tailored to specific age groups, backgrounds, and common interests, our programs conduct weekly one-hour sessions within school premises. These sessions are conducted in collaboration with parents, local schools, churches, and recreation and youth centers, creating a comprehensive support network for the youth.

Every young individual as a reservoir of untapped potential at YSS. Through our holistic approach to personal development, we are dedicated to guiding and empowering youth on their journey to success. To be a part of this transformative mission, we invite community members, educators, and passionate individuals to engage, volunteer, or support our initiatives.

Together, we can forge a brighter and more inclusive future for the youth in Ottawa.

Youth for Youth Initiative

We believe that youth have the potential to make an impact in our community!.

YSS promotes the culture of giving back to the community among the youth we serve and the community in general. After their program completion, youth are encouraged to join our Youth Alumni Club, where youth come together for a common goal to grow together. Through this club, YSS provides some of them volunteer opportunities to give back to their community while mentoring their fellow youth newly joining the program. Whenever needed, some youth are connected to other community partners to contribute to a cause for community wellbeing and development.

These opportunities help graduate youth practice their skills most importantly by acquiring new skills and experiences through various trainings and exposures, that enhance their personal and professional development.

“Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.”

― Brian Tracy