“It didn’t take much thought as to which NGO I was going to use for my assignment. The NGO I chose is one that I have seen in action. I have seen first-hand the impact it has had in our community, and on myself. Without this NGO or ones like it, I would not be typing this essay right now, Instead, I would probably be thinking of how to get my next meal or where I will sleep tonight. Youth Without Shelter has helped many homeless youth like myself get off the streets and back into
school so they can get an education.

This particular NGO attracted me because I feel strongly about helping those in need, and creating a better community for everyone to live in. Providing homeless youth with an opportunity to finish High School and go on to College will give them an opportunity to find better employment and achieve a higher standard of living. Creating a better standard of living for economically challenged youth is the key to preventing homelessness in their adult life.  Through my research I was surprised to find that YWS receives the majority of its support from community donations. This shows how much can be accomplished with the support of the community organized by an NGO. When I get back on my feet and financially stable I will support
NGO’s such as YWS because of what they do for the community, and what they have done for me.”

H. (Stay in School Program resident)

The centre of the event this year was a party at Yonge-Dundas Square where Boston Pizza handed out fresh pizza and Toronto’s Number One Hit Music Station – KiSS 92.5  DJ’ed live on location throughout the day.  At 3.30 pm a 30 minute show led by Project: Humanity showcased all of the student performances created for the day, wowing the crowd.

Local non-profit organization, Project: Humanity (PH), raises awareness through the arts and leads workshops with Toronto high schools and professional artists to create performances that shed light on youth homelessness.

Thank you to all of the sponsors who made this day happen:  Barrick Gold, Boston Pizza, KPMG,  Pattison Outdoor Advertising, SNC Lavalin.  For a complete list of sponsors go to:  www.tokens4change.com

Take a look at how some of the students got involved:

Greenwood College School Students with PACT Film and Project:  Humanity created a video to change the words of youth homelessness for Tokens4Change.

Fifty Etobicoke School of the Arts students aimed to change the lives of their peers through drama.

For photos of the day please check out our Facebook Page or www.tokens4change.com

]]> http://www.yws.on.ca/news/thank-you-toronto-for-reaching-deep-for-change-on-t4c-day/feed 0 http://www.yws.on.ca/news/charity-intelligence-selects-yws-as-a-top-pick-charity-second-year http://www.yws.on.ca/news/charity-intelligence-selects-yws-as-a-top-pick-charity-second-year#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:28:26 +0000 admin http://www.yws.on.ca/?p=739 Youth Without Shelter, was one of only 33 charities in Canada selected as a Top Pick by Charity Intelligence for 2011.  We consider this an honour.  Charity Intelligence is a resource that people can turn to when they are considering making a donation.  CI put YWS to the test:  “rigorous and independent analysis including due diligence, assessment of transparency and accountability, cost efficiency and charity results.”

Why was Youth Without Shelter selected:

• “YWS excels in addressing a social issue, is cost efficient, and most importantly, has a track record of producing outstanding results for Canadians in need.” (Charity Intelligence)
• Transparency:  you can access the past two years of our Impact Report and financial statements on our website under the Impact heading.
• Housing Program:  in 2010, 100 youth successfully completed the transition to permanent housing.
• Stay in School Program:  in 2010, 34 high school students were given the opportunity to leave abusive homes and remain in school without having to live at an emergency shelter.

Why a workshop about youth homelessness?

Youth homelessness is a topic that is both timeless and timely.  On any given night in Toronto 1,500 to 2,000 youth are seeking a safe place to sleep for the night.  It is an issue that may be impacting the youth in your classroom.  Many stereotypes and myths abound about youth homelessness that can cause anger, fear or discrimination.  By educating students about homelessness, we hope to build knowledge, tolerance and empathy. Students will learn of resources in their own communties that are working to assist homeless youth.  Meaningful opportunities for schools to create awareness of youth homelessness can be developed in partnership with Youth Without Shelter.

Benefits for schools

Curriculum connections for a full range of age groups.  Relevant high school courses include Civics, World Issues, or Humanities.

Gives resources to youth who may need help.

Develops citizenship and compassion in students.  Breaks down a complex and seemingly insurmountable issue into understandable and manageable pieces giving students hope that we can end homelessness.

Engaging with hands-on games and activities.

Comes with ideas for supplemental assignments to extend the learning.

Opportunities for students to take action and complete volunteer service hours.

Book a workshop today:  If you are a teacher interested in booking a workshop for your class, please contact our Volunteer & Education Facilitator at volunteer@yws.on.ca or at 416.748.0110 ext. 39.

“Excellent, thank you for coming out.  I would definitely recommend this workshop to my colleagues.”  (Teacher comments)

“One thing I learned from the workshop is that just because you are homeless it doesn’t mean you don’t have values and don’t want to finish school.  I have friends who could use Youth Without Shelter.”  (Student comments)