Helping Neighbors

The Cause

At Old Strathcona Youth Society, we are a low-barrier street-level organization that offers resources, referrals, and recreation to unhoused youth aged 14-24 in the Old Strathcona area of Edmonton, including hundreds of Indigenous youths. We do this by taking a trauma-informed relational approach between staff and our participants, prioritizing a genuine sense of community, and meeting our community members wherever they are in their personal journey.
Last year, we were delivered the unfortunate news that the building we had called home for 25 years would be condemned. OSYS worked with over 700 vulnerable youth in 2023 and we would have to find a new building to continue providing services. OSYS is now the owner of its own house, after leasing from the city for so long. As a part of our community relationship building, we want to shovel the sidewalks for our neighbors this upcoming winter, and then mow lawns in the summer. This outreach will be a good way for the staff to meet the people who live on the street of the new centre and answer any questions they may have. It is also a timeless tradition of neighbourly gesture, signifying our commitment to a warm relationship.
Historically OSYS has not had a green space to mow, and our small sidewalk was easily managed with a single shovel. We now boast a yard and large cement driveway space and need the equipment to maintain our new space. Having high quality equipment will make these chores much easier and it’s also very important that the youth have proper outdoor gear. Purchasing heavy winter coats, toques, and mitts will ensure any youth can participate safely and that the neighbors will recognize them as belonging with OSYS. When they see the OSYS brand they will know that they can approach the youth, talk to them about the program, and thank them for the helping hand.
In the past, youth have given us feedback that they like helping out around the facility because it gives them a sense of ownership over the space, which increases belonging. It is important for youth to feel responsible and have control over tasks. By connecting with other community organizations, we have gained a lot of feedback that being active in their community vastly improves the relationship with businesses and residential community members. Youth would participate in the program based on their interest, on a volunteer basis and at staff’s discretion. We expect this will become a coveted privilege in the organization!

Who Will it Benefit?

OSYS is new to the street and some residents may be concerned about the impact a youth centre could have. To see an immediate positive impact will alleviate these concerns and become the basis for the centre’s identity in the neighborhood. This includes single family homes, walk-up apartments, and a daycare, potentially representing several hundred people living and working in proximity to the youth centre. This program is the perfect icebreaker for the staff to introduce themselves and answer any questions or address any concerns. The actual work is the obvious and visible benefit but it’s the peace of mind of knowing your neighbors that is the real goal.
OSYS as an organization will benefit in several ways. If successful, this program should empower the neighbors to address any concerns with the staff directly. Reducing the stigma of the centre and our clients will enable staff to do their jobs more effectively and allow more youth to access services. This program will also serve as a structured task for youth, something that helps reduce behaviour issues and increases morale.
Many of OSYS’s youth have expressed desire to give back to the centre and enjoy contributing to the facility. The youth that access OSYS’s services will be able to volunteer for the program and the staff will determine someone’s suitability to this privilege. To have pride in donning the OSYS gear and in a job well done supporting their community is the best therapy they could have. Taking responsibility for the equipment is building potential work experience. Conversing with neighbors will build a sense of belonging and normalcy for the youth. They are used to being avoided or scorned on the streets, and building relationships with neighbors is an important social skill to be developed and celebrated. Helping Neighbors will build self esteem!