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PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Y.E.S. offers a number of programs and services to support youth and families. Many of our programs are offered in partnership with other community agencies.

Emergency Shelter

The Y.E.S. shelter facility at 196 Brock St. offers temporary housing to youth 16-24 and to families. The shelter has a total of 30 beds, 15 of which are in a separated section for family groups. The building also includes a dining area with fully equipped kitchen, a common room for leisure time or meetings, as well as administrative offices and storage. The shelter is open and staffed 24 hours a day.

The length of stay at the shelter varies, but in general, youth clients are expected to find more permanent housing within six weeks. During the day, residents are required to look for housing and attend school or go to work - shelter staff provides assistance and advice with this, and helps residents get in touch with other organizations and services that work with youth and families. Y.E.S. employees also participate in case management of individual shelter residents, working in partnership with other community organizations.

Tours of the shelter can be arranged by contacting executive director Walter Johnstone at 705-748-3851 or wjohnstone@yesshelter.ca.

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Transitional Housing at Abbott House

Learning to live independently is often the next step for youth who make use of our emergency shelter. Abbott House, our second stage housing facility on Water St. N., provides a supervised setting for up to 12 young people taking their first run at independent living. Residents pay rent and are expected to contribute to household management, but can also access support and assistance from Y.E.S. staff. Abbott House residents may stay for as long as a year, giving them a chance to learn the ropes of independent living before they try it on their own.

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Transitional Life Skills Program

Basic life skills, like opening a bank account, fixing a leaky toilet, or managing unruly friends, are critical to successful independent living. Our transitional life skills program provides youth moving into independent living with training and support in acquiring those skills. The program includes a comprehensive training program with weekly support and guidance. Y.E.S. currently offers transitional life skills training on a fee-for-service basis. Clients include Peterborough Youth Services, the P.R.H.C. Family and Youth Clinic, and the City of Peterborough. For more information about the Transitional Life Skills Program, contact Troy Thompson at 705-748-3851 or general@yesshelter.ca.

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Employment Skills Training Programs

Y.E.S. occasionally offers specialized employment and skills training programs for youth. Past programs include a construction program offered at our workshop, a food and nutrition program offered in the shelter kitchen, and the S.A.F.E. program, offered in partnership with the John Howard Society. To find out about current programs, contact executive director Walter Johnstone at 705-748-3851 or wjohnstone@yesshelter.ca.

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Food Cupboard

In cooperation with Kawartha Food Share, Y.E.S. provides an emergency food cupboard for youth, families and others in the community. Individuals can receive a supply of food once per month. The food cupboard is open daily. To learn more about the YES Food Cupboard, or to donate items, please contact Ruby Lynch, rlynch@yesshelter.ca, or Wyatt Lamoureux, wlamoureux@yesshelter.ca or call 705-748-3851.

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YES Cube Van

Through a Trillium Foundation grant in 2005 YES purchased a 5-ton cube van. The van is used to assist other community agencies, and individuals on low income, and is available for hire on a fee-for-service basis. If you are interested in the cube van please contact Rental Supervisor Ruby Lynch at 705-748-3851 or rlynch@yesshelter.ca.

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OTHER COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Peterborough City-County has many resources for youth and families who need assistance with housing, employment, health or other issues. Here are a few:

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YES - 196 Brock St., Peterborough, ON K9H 2P4 - ph 705-748-3851 fx 705-748-6697 general@yesshelter.ca