A Walk in the Shoes of a Homeless Youth
As a 22 year old transgendered female with mental challenges and a history of incarceration, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to successfully find income, 3 square meals, and a warm, dry, [...]
As a 22 year old transgendered female with mental challenges and a history of incarceration, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to successfully find income, 3 square meals, and a warm, dry, [...]
I’m happy with how far I got in just one week.
This place really helped me know I can change. Everyone was super supportive and friendly and made my stay good.
A really good supportive environment with excellent staff who seem to really care.
The staff were open-minded about my gender identity.
I really liked how the staff were supportive and helpful, but also gave me space to do as I felt needed to do.
You give people like me, who never had a chance, a way to start again...
Directions Street Youth Job Action program really made a huge difference in my life. They gave me much more than a daily paycheque. I got more confidence in myself since they trusted me. Having them on my resume is what allowed me to get off welfare.
Street Youth Job Action gave me the confidence to enter the workforce after having lived on and off the streets for years.
10/
thanks a bunch for being there when i was down on my luck
Street Youth Job Action was the only thing that got me out of bed & doing something on a daily basis. It has gotta be the most beneficial program I’ve ever come across as a street youth.
I spent the day crying alone under the Burrard Bridge. Then I came here and some guys made me laugh and you fed me this beautiful dinner. Thank you for doing that.
Thank you Directions, you saved my life.
Directions saved me as a youth... Happy to say I am now in my late 20s with a stable job and secure living situation. Keep being awesome Directions! Thank you for all you've done.
Volunteering at Directions Youth Services has been extremely eye-opening and rewarding. I volunteer in the Media program where I am consistently engaging in meaningful conversations and experiences with youth that attend the centre. I've always had a strong desire to help those in need and give back to the community. Volunteering at Directions helps me fulfill this desire. This volunteer program provides an interesting, safe, and engaging environment to help, communicate with, and provide guidance for at-risk youth. Ultimately, volunteering with Directions has proven to be a very valuable and worthwhile experience and I would strongly encourage anyone who is interested in helping those who are less fortunate with volunteering.
SYJA is the most beneficial, great experience to let people that never worked before to experience how work is!
SYJA helped me get employment when I lost mine over a mental health issue. It’s helping me build up my social skills when forced to work with someone else.
Directions has many times given me a place to go when I had no place to go. It’s connected me to many services and has been essential to me since I moved to Vancouver.
A place to go when I had nowhere else to go
Offered help when I was faced with troubles in my life
Staff here have made me want to improve my life situation
Living a normal life is actually really easy.
I love and appreciate Directions!
Thanks again for this opportunity - I haven't worked in 3 years and this really made me feel good.
The most beneficial thing I’ve participated in is SYJA. It’s a great experience to lead people that never worked before and to expose them to work.
I can take care of myself more easily.
Connected me to many services that have been essential to me
Directions encouraged me to want a better life!
It helped me gain good structure in my life.
SYJA taught me self-discipline
Doing a great job, keep it up!
The most beneficial part of my time at Directions was meeting new people and being Team Leader in SYJA.
At SYJA, I have learned communication skills and maintaining skills for a full-time job.
The best thing about SYJA has been getting work experience and getting paid daily.
I've enjoyed the exercise, cleaning up the city and meeting new people in SYJA!
I have really benefited from access to showers, internet... everything is free and I can use my money to settle other things in my life.
Everyone feels safe here.
I've been able to get help with a lot, and also make new friends!
I honestly liked the fact that everyone who works here can connect and make you feel comfortable.
I’ve been coming here for years and this place has been amazing and has really helped me in my journey.
How kind, caring and supportive the staff were, and the overall atmosphere, made this time much easier for me.
The staff were all amazing and really helped me in my recovery.
The staff was really helpful and supportive.
I appreciated the help getting into treatment while residing in a safe place
What I liked best was all the support and services that were provided to me, and the help that was given to me to accomplish my goals. How kind, friendly and amazing the staff have been to me.
There was someone available to talk to and tell your problems to them at any time. Staff are really helpful, and thank you for having this youth resource. We love you so much.
The staff is excellent, supportive, respectful. I would highly recommend this to anybody. Absolutely loved the staff. You have wonderful and caring staff. Keep up the good work!
I think everything was perfect & I will be recommending this place to anyone I know that may need this kind of service. Thank you guys for everything.