What is a Youth Services Centre?
It is a safe place where at-risk youth can go to receive counselling and support, health services, education, life skills training, temporary employment opportunities, and other crucial services. 

Who are the youth that are in need of these services?
Family Services is mandated by the provincial government to provide services within Downtown South to youth between the ages of 12 through 18; although some of our programming supports youth up to the age of 24. Many of the youth we work with are homeless or living in poverty with no place to go.  They are youth who, with a helping hand, can make it back to their families and home communities or obtain affordable accommodation, education programs and/or stable employment.

How do these services help the youth and the community?
Our primary mandate is to connect with at-risk youth and return them to their families or home communities. Last year, we helped reconnect over 350 youth to their family and/or home community, we made over 850 referrals to other services and our outreach workers connected with over 1800 youth. This means that fewer young people remained on the streets, slept in underground garages, panhandled, or became engaged in a street lifestyle that consists of drug abuse and sexual exploitation. Our services assist over 500 youth annually in finding safe, affordable accommodation.

Why 1134 Burrard Street?
Family Services is mandated through a provincial government contract to provide services to the youth within the area comprising the Downtown South area of the City. Like many major centres, Vancouver has a growing problem with drugs, alcohol, and homelessness. Family Services has been working hard with the community to address the problem. Our proximity to the youth is essential as it enables us to provide timely service and, ideally, assist the youth before they become entrenched in life on the street.

In consultation with a community advisory group, a site criteria was identified to develop a Youth Services Centre that would have a low impact on the community. The City of Vancouver recently purchased a property at 1134 Burrard Street and Family Services has entered into a five-year lease with the City. This location met all of the criteria set by the community advisory group.

Has the community had a say in the location of the centre?
Absolutely! A community advisory group comprising youth representatives, residents, businesses, funders, City staff, and other service providers has been meeting regularly since October, 2003 to set criteria for a site and plan a facility that meets the needs of everyone in the community—recognizing that the entire community has a stake in the development of this Centre. Together, the group defined criteria for the site and offered creative ideas for engaging the broader community. In addition, four “Community Round Table” discussions were held with larger representation from the stakeholders represented in the Community Advisory Group.

A series of community workshops were held in early 2005 to develop the Facility Management Plan in consultation with the community.

Family Services is committed to working with the community to create a well-managed, community-minded Youth Services Centre that will be a true asset to the neighbourhood. We encourage you to become part of the search for positive solutions. Please contact us any time at 604.633.1472. We would be happy to discuss your questions and ideas.

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