I recently had the chance to tour the YESS facilities & learn about their programs. It's an impressive organization working with some of our most marginalized youth. If you'll permit me, a thread (Please RT):

They operate from a foundation of being low barrier and trauma-informed. They accept youth as they present themselves, without judgement. #TraumaInformed

The long-term placement facilities are designed to give kids a home & provide stability while they focus on whatever needs attention in their lives. Support staff live with kids for 4 days in a row to provide continuity. #yegkids

Our tour of the shelter facility started outside in the desperate cold. We're brought in 1 by 1 & triaged. It's cold even though I'm wearing my best winter gear. Despite the weather, we're told youth often line up for hours before the building opens to get a spot. #yeg

.YESS is the largest youth shelter in AB & serves youth 15-21. They have 24 beds in their all-gender facility. Those who are turned away are triaged to other shelters. Because with nothing else, their bodies become their currency. #yeg

The giant dreamcatcher on the wall was an art project for the youth. Each item tied on represents a trauma in their lives. #yegkids

Before leaving for their day, youth a provided with a meal from the recently redone kitchen, which also teaches kids cooking and food safety skills. #yegfood

.yess does not have a budget for food, so they rely on community donors and local businesses. Ongoing supporters mentioned were Sherlock Holmes (SherlocksHospitality) & Organic Box. Kids learn how to shop in this pantry. #yegcommunity

We moved on to the Armoury Resource Centre (ARC) where daytime programming includes work training, housing facilitation, various forms of therapy, and even medical care. They make it feel like a comfortable living room where everyone is welcome (except the exam room, obvs).

The range of supports they offer to marginalized kids is admirable and sadly needed in #yeg. They support 350 kids/yr at the shelter and 650 kids/yr at the ARC.