What is YIP?
The Youth Independence Program (YIP) is a classroom-based curriculum intended to teach life-skills and mental wellness strategies to at-risk youth, to prevent homelessness and support them while they transition into adulthood. We have a long history of supporting youth. At the core, our programs are youth centred, trauma informed, and strength based.
Over the years we have identified that absent life skills are often contributing factors to our client’s housing and without correction could lead to a lifetime of chronic and episodic homelessness. The curriculum has been designed to create an engaging experience for youth covering a wide variety of topics critical to life skill development.
An engaging experience for youth!
- Learn life-skills to be more independent
- Miscellaneous referrals for community support
- Social connections
- Gain a TVDSB high school credit (up to 21 years old)
Next classes begin January 6, 2025. Registration is now open.
Each day of the week focuses on a different domain during the 10-week program.
Weekly Curriculum Examples
Mondays – SELF – motivation, developing a self-reliant mentality, coping with stress
Tuesdays – SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – diversity and acceptance, conflict resolution
Wednesdays – LIFE-SKILLS – job searching, taxes professional attire
Thursdays – INDEPENDENT LIFE SKILLS – meal planning and grocery shopping, living with roommates, time management & budgeting
Who can apply? Youth 16-24yrs, who are interested in learning life-skills
When are classes? 3 sessions/year (Fall, Winter, & Spring). Monday-Thursday 10am to 12pm
What supports do we offer outside of the program?
Our YIP Coordinator can assist with employment readiness, apartment searching, system navigation and life stability.
Have a question?
Please contact Greg Moore at 519-631-9800 extension 232, Work Cell 519-636-6915 or via email gmoore@ywcaste.ca
Want to apply?
Download our referral form, and send completed to our Program Coordinator listed above.
