At CHV, we want to focus on helping a person in need. So many youth come through our doors with different histories, experiences, and traumas, and so, we need to provide tailored support to each youth. One style of care does not suit everyone. Which is why we provide a range of additional supports youth can access. We are more than a shelter. We are a home, when youth need it most.
Donors make all of this possible. Every step forward that a youth takes is made possible because of our donors, and the incredible strength of the youth, on their road to recovery.
We want to share what a day may look like for a youth who is accessing our services.
A youth’s day starts with getting dressed. The clothes they have are from the clothing room, which has clothes donated by members of our community. It has every size and style, so youth can dress in the way they feel reflects them.
Next, they head down to the dining area, chat with the lovely Food Services team or a youth worker, and enjoy a hearty, nutritious breakfast. Mealtimes are offered three times a day. A plate costs $8 and is so much more than just a meal. It’s a chance to connect and feel secure.
Today, the youth is attending an art therapy group, to help process their grief. They head to the art room and sit down. They are using paints and pastels to create unique pieces of art. They are going to use colours to help express how they are feeling. In art therapy, they can share with a trained therapist, develop their artistic skills, and feel the value of community. Art supplies for a month cost $208.
Today, the youth sits in the common room, wanting to chat with a youth worker. They want advice on how to make a doctor’s appointment. They take some time going through how to book an appointment and describe their issues to the doctor. The youth worker helps the youth schedule the appointment in their calendar, and figures out how to get there.
After that, the youth heads to a life skills workshop on budgeting. The life skills team is taking youth through how to set and stick to a budget, and the best ways to manage their money. The life skills team answers questions and helps youth estimate how much groceries cost, so that they are able to plan ahead.
The night ends in the youth’s room. They have a bed, and space to call their own. A bed costs $34 a night, and it’s so much more than a bed. It’s a secure space to rest, recharge, recover, and dream about the future.
There are so many ways that youth are impacted by our donors. We are so grateful to everyone who helps support our organization and the youth who walk through our doors.