Creating pathways to hope for youth in our community.
Every young person deserves a safe place to turn, someone who believes in them, and the opportunity to build a future they are proud of.
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Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) is a community-based organization that supports youth experiencing crisis, housing instability, and barriers to accessing essential resources. Through safe shelter, trauma-informed programs, mental health supports, and individualized care, we help young people find stability, build confidence, and move toward brighter futures.
For more than 45 years, YESS has walked alongside youth in Edmonton, evolving to meet their changing needs and building a network of care that ensures young people receive the support they need, when they need it, and where they need it.
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YESS has been part of the Edmonton community for more
than four decades.
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Founded through community efforts in 1981, the organization has continued to evolve from providing emergency shelter support into a broader network of care focused on prevention, healing, and long-term stability.
While our programs and services have grown over the years, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to standing alongside youth and helping them navigate their journey toward healing, connection, and independence.
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Meeting youth where they are
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Every young person’s journey is different. Some need a safe place to sleep. Others are ready to take the next step toward housing, education, or employment. Many are navigating mental health challenges or healing from trauma.
At YESS, our programs are organized around three pillars – Safety and Stabilization, Growth and Wellness, and Food and Life Skills – so young people can move from crisis toward stability, connection, and independence.
From emergency shelter to transitional housing and wellness supports, our programs are designed to empower young people to build the futures they deserve.
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Safety and Stabilization
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When a young person needs a safe place to be, YESS is open.
The Youth Support Centre is often the first step in a young person’s journey with YESS. Here, youth have access to emergency shelter, nutritious meals, basic necessities, and compassionate trauma-informed support in a safe and welcoming environment. Or safety and stabilization programs meet young people in crisis with immediate shelter, food, clothing, and frontline support – no matter what someone is going through.
By building trusting relationships and providing consistent care, we help youth develop healthy coping strategies, strengthen emotional regulation, and reduce the need for crisis intervention. As stability grows, so does each young person’s confidence and readiness to take the next step toward a brighter future.
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Growth and Wellness
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Healing takes time.
The Wellness Integration Team provides youth with trauma-informed mental health supports that recognize the unique experiences and strengths each individual brings. Through crisis stabilization, counselling, mental health education, and culturally responsive programming, youth are supported as they navigate healing, identity, and personal growth.
By fostering connection, resilience, and hope, the Wellness Integration Team helps young people build the confidence and skills needed to thrive today and into the future.
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Food and Life Skills
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Building a future starts with practical skills.
Graham’s Place provides transitional housing and individualized supports that empower youth to build independence and achieve their goals. With stable housing as a foundation, young people can focus on education, employment, life skills, and long-term planning – whether that means help covering school fees, accessing training certifications, or navigating barriers to employment.
Our food and life skills programs offer daily meals alongside cooking education, food safety certification, and employment readiness – giving youth the practical tools they need to live independently.
Learn More: www.yess.org
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