Supporting Youth with YESS
Featured Photo: Wikipedia
For this very first edition of ANPA’s local NFP spotlight, we sat down with Delalie Mortotsi, Director of Programs at Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS), to learn more about YESS, their initiatives, and volunteer opportunities.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role with YESS.
“I serve as the Director of Programs. I manage our frontline initiatives, which includes the overnight shelter, supportive housing and our wraparound services. My role involves helping our teams create safe, trauma informed environments where young people can find stability, heal and then progress in their lives.”
Can you share the story of how YESS was created and what is your core mission?
“YESS was founded in 1981 by a group of community members because they recognized that youth experiencing homelessness in Edmonton had nowhere safe to go. They created a space where the youth could find shelter, food, and safety away from anything that was troubling them, while also supporting them to connect to the services that they need. Our mission is to support youth who have experienced trauma, guiding them on their journey to healing and helping them develop healthy connections. We mainly serve youth, 15 to 24 years old within our support services. However, within our shelter services, we serve 15 to 21 years old.”
What do you think makes your organization’s approach unique compared to other NFPs in the area?
“We are the only youth serving agency in the city. We are also unique because we are more than just a shelter. We are a healing oriented organization who lead with a trauma informed approach. We're very youth centered. We don't simply provide a bed. We offer wraparound support such as case planning, teaching life skills, and opportunities for youth to develop a vision their future.”
What is a recent success story or project that you are especially proud of and that has made an impact in the community?
“We recently changed one of our supportive housing program into a transitional bridge housing model. This initiative has helped youth prepare to move towards independence by providing a safe environment to build stability, develop life skills and connect to permanent housing. So we've really slowed down the process of getting them stable and then moving on to permanent housing. We started this project in April, and we've already seen three youths successfully transition into their own apartments because of this program.”
What types of volunteer roles are available YESS, and what kind of tasks might someone expect to do?
“We offer a range of volunteer roles, from preparing and serving meals in our kitchen to assisting with events and recreation activities within the program, like Walk for YESS. We also have volunteer opportunities for administrative tasks and help community engagement initiatives as well.”
What qualities or skills do you look for in a volunteer?
“We look for volunteers who are compassionate, flexible and non judgmental. They have to have a willingness to listen and learn, and that's very important. Generally, volunteers need to be at least 18 years old. However, for some other roles, we require volunteers to have a higher age, so 21 and above.’
How do volunteers typically describe their experience after working with your organization?
“Volunteers frequently speak of how engaged they feel after volunteering. Often they come to us as donors, but after they volunteer and are more actively involved, they are much more connected to our mission and the work we do.”
What motivates your staff and volunteers to keep going, even when challenges arise?
“The resilience of the youth that we serve is our greatest motivation. Even when challenges come up, seeing the youth take small but powerful steps, like completing school, reconnecting with family, or even securing housing, it keeps us inspired and committed to the work that we do.”
What kind of personal or professional skills can someone gain from volunteering with YESS?
“They can develop skills such as communication, teamwork, and the biggest one is problem solving. They also build cultural awareness, empathy and the capacity to support individuals in a trauma informed manner. We offer volunteers training in trauma informed care, boundaries and even compassion fatigue before they start volunteering for us. These trainings are essential because it not only prepares them to work with youth in a safe and supportive way, but it also helps them safeguard their well being as they dedicate their time and energy. We don't want any volunteers coming to support our youth or to support our programs and then leave burned out. For many, it provides a valuable introduction to careers in social services and community.”
Can you share a memorable volunteer story that shows how rewarding the experience can be?
“Every spring, we have a team of volunteers who gather to assist our team in revitalizing the garden. The volunteers participate in a program where they educate our youth about growing food, living sustainably and working together towards healthy living. Often, the volunteers will leave their shift feeling inspired by the visible impact they have on the lives of the youth that we serve.”
What are your organization’s current priorities, and how can volunteers help achieve them?
“So our current priorities are stabilizing youth, strengthening our trauma informed services, expanding the transitional housing options and integrating them into the community. Volunteers who are knowledgeable about community services are especially valuable because they can help us help youth build connections, improve their skills and navigate resources. Another specific need right now is art based programming and facilitation. We find that creative outlets are vital for our youth. They provide healthy coping strategies, build confidence and offer a safer way to explore their identity and healing.”
Lastly, if someone is thinking about volunteering but is unsure, what would you say to encourage them to take that first step?
“Just give it a try! Even a small amount of your time can significantly impact a young person's life. Volunteering with YESS isn't just about giving back, it's also about joining the community that believes in the resilience and the potential of youth.”
Thanks for reading our NFP Feature! We’re here to shine a light on Edmonton’s not-for-profit sector and help students discover new ways to get involved. Have questions, ideas, or an organization you think we should feature?
Share them with us at anpa@ualberta.ca
