The youth who come to Directions get to set their own goals – it's one of the ways we try to be youth-informed in our programming. A common goal among young people – especially once they’ve had their immediate needs met – is to find a job. For some youth, that can be a pretty big leap so we provide learning opportunities and paid work right at the Drop-In Centre so they can develop their skills in a familiar setting.
Our Youth Employment Programs empower youth to:
Move beyond survival mode;
Develop new life skills;
Recognize their skills are valuable and transferable;
Receive personalized coaching and support;
Receive health supports to minimize harm from substance use;
Gain confidence to be employment-ready;
Write a resume and/or find a job;
Access other pre-employment or employment programs; and
Further their education, if they choose to go (back) to school.
“Since I started coming to Directions a year ago, I’ve had to go through a lot of ups and downs, some of the most difficult and upsetting events in my life that I would not have been able to handle so stress-free and smoothly as I have and I believe that Directions has been a major reason. ”
Street Youth Job Action
SYJA is a same-day pay job for Directions youth. In crews of two to four, youth and a peer team leader do jobs in the community. We provide training, all necessary safety equipment, clothing, and lunch.
Jobs include:
Needle sweeps: cleaning up different parts of the city by safely collecting drug litter.
Inside cleaning: janitorial duties in and around the DYS Centre such as wiping down tables, chairs, sweeping, and mopping.
Street cleaning and garbage removal: collecting litter and recyclables in the Vancouver Downtown core and West End.
Not only do youth earn minimum wage, but they also get job experience, develop valuable life skills, and gain access to additional support from Directions Youth Workers.
Contact us
For youth who want to participate in SYJA, visit the Drop-In Centre or call:
Office phone: 604-633-1472 x 3519
Program Coordinator: 604-364-2815
Support Worker: 604-726-7545
Leaders in Training
The Leaders in Training (LIT) program gives youth the opportunity to gain experience working in a restaurant-style kitchen at the Drop-In Centre. Under the guidance of our experienced Food Program staff, youth prepare nightly hot meals and daily snacks, clean, and stock the kitchen.
Food builds community. The Drop-In Centre is a welcoming hub where homeless youth can count on daily hot dinners and access to snacks 24/7. Youth in the LIT program get to be a part of that community and gain new skills that can translate to future work.
Beyond peer connection, the LIT program teaches youth how to shop, plan, and safely prepare nutritious (and delicious) meals on a budget. The nurturing environment also supports mentorship and encourages youth to take on more responsibilities as they gain confidence.
Contact us
For youth who want to participate in LIT, visit the Drop-In Centre or call:
Office phone: 604-633-1472 x 3519
Program Coordinator: 604-364-2815
Support Worker: 604-726-7545
Interested in supporting our Youth Employment Programs?
Many of the vulnerable youth who access Directions haven't had positive adult role models in their lives. Many have been on their own from a young age. Navigating complex trauma, building relationships, and trying to survive in an expensive city is a lot to manage – especially if a young person isn’t confident in their job skills. Our youth employment programs start with the basics and provide peer support along the way, readying youth for other employment programs, school, or a career. To ensure vulnerable youth continue to benefit these programs, contact giving@fsgv.ca.
Thank you for your generous support