Recent Youthlink News Items

Hope, the belief that change is possible, is central to Jayna's story.  And she is now offering that hope to others simply by speaking out and sharing her experience. 

Jayna has inspired messages of support for her and other youth struggling with depression. We have created a Wall of Hope to share these messages and invite our readers to share your thoughts. What gives you hope during dark periods?  What tools have helped you in managing depression and anxiety?

Add a brick to the Wall of Hope by sharing your comments. Let's send a message to young people that there is a way forward and we are here to help.

L-R: (back row) Salim, Grenville, Fil, Karl, Jerome, Alex, Ashley, Troy(NWSYC staff); (front) Denise, Fawn, Fatima, Tracey

RBC staff took part in an unusual event at the North West Scarborough Youth Centre for the annual United Way Days of Caring initiative. Career Talks brought five staff from the RBC branch at Sheppard and Markham together with our youth leadership group to share their personal stories that led them to pursue a career in banking.  Also joining them was YouthLink Board Member and RBC employee Karl Smith. The youth heard of the challenges of moving to Canada, finding a job after university and deciding on a career.  Much wise advise was shared about the importance of liking your job and the diversity of opportunities in banking.

Thanks to branch manager Fil Delfuoco and her staff Ashley, Grenville, Jerome and Salim for taking part and to Karl for joining us.

We hope this is the first of many Career Talks to help youth sort through career choices and challenges.

Once a month, the young women at our Residence are treated to a cultural extravaganza. Our staff delight in creating an authentic cultural experience preparing typical dishes and drinks, decorating the house, finding traditional music and planning cultural activities.  The evenings offer a break from the daily routine and provide an opportunity for staff to build common ground with the youth, as they often celebrate the culture of a resident, who takes part by sharing her own traditions.

Staff know when they’ve got it right when a resident walks in and says, “Oh my God, it smells like home in here.”

In the past year, the monthly feasts have celebrated Diwali (with sparklers on the front lawn), Cinco de Mayo (with a pinata), Brazilian Carnival (with home-made masks and samba music), Hannukah, Christmas, Chinese New Year and Black History Month.   Dinners take on a family atmosphere and often the youth will show their appreciation by taking on the clean-up. 

In July, North Africa was featured with staff transforming the dining room into a Moroccan tent and cooking up 10 main dishes and 5 desserts. They are already planning next month’s celebration of Italian food and culture.  

Our young women love all the fuss, particularly when it involves their own culture. The events are very powerful in affirming their identity.  One young woman exclaimed, “Nobody has ever done such a special thing for me before!”