Success Stories

At YES, we’re proud to walk alongside youth and families from all kinds of backgrounds and life experiences. Life throws real challenges their way, but time and again, we see incredible resilience shine through – especially when someone has a caring community behind them.

Below are a few stories of youth and families who found their footing again, with a little support from people who believed in them.

From Rock Bottom to Rebuilding a Life

Joseph was just 16 years old when he arrived at YES Shelter. By then, he had already experienced more than…

Bent, Not Broken: Ellie’s Journey to Hope

As the first warm rays of spring sunlight push away winter’s chill, there’s a feeling of new beginnings in the…

Taylor’s Story; Leaving his tent behind

When Taylor found himself sleeping outside last winter, he wasn’t totally surprised. He was grateful for his friend who was…

Sophia’s story; When the switch flipped

Before, if you were on Brock St. and heard someone yelling and causing a ruckus at the YES Shelter, it…

Cameron’s Story – Rising out of youth homelessness

When we first met Cameron, he was kind of in shock. He and his mom always had a rocky relationship,…

Lightning fast; Berry’s doing amazing things after just six months in RISE

Berry knew they were going to lose their housing about a month before it happened. They were subletting a room…