On Tuesday, October 27, 2009 Toronto Community News (TCN) honoured YWS with an Urban Heroes Award (Community Category). The awards were created by TCN to celebrate "people and organizations that make our neighbourhoods better places to live, work and play." Nominators, Margaret Bangia and Heather Esplen described YWS as: "...a safe haven and a means to a new beginning for young people who have experienced more hardship, loss and disappointment than most of us will have to face in our lifetime. YWS not only counsels these youths upon arrival, but also provides the necessary resources for them to reclaim their lives." For the complete story  

Piecing Together a Solution

2009 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation

Over 125 people gathered at Strates Banquet Hall in Etobicoke on September 17 to celebrate another year of solutions at Youth Without Shelter. 

Kelly's Green, a brother and sister duo comprised of Sarah and Matt Grady, performed for the audience. It wasn't long before hands were clapping and folks were singing along.

Stay in School resident Matt, updated the crowd on his progress and thanked them sincerely for their support of Youth Without Shelter. He explained how that support was enabling him to better his life and prepare for a productive future.

Meredith Bond and Gillian Barker spoke to the audience about their motivation, and their experience in baking and selling 80 dozens holiday cookies to benefit Youth Without Shelter.