From the beginning, before Directions Youth Services was even using that name, DYS has valued youth input. Their ideas, experiences, and wisdom have always shaped the services and programs we offer.
This year, Directions Youth Safehouse—one of Family Services of Greater Vancouver’s youth-serving programs—is 30. To mark the anniversary, we’re looking at Directions’ past, present, and future. More than 30 years of youth-informed care is something to talk about! The youth we serve are some of the most marginalized and they rarely have a place to be heard. But we’re listening, and always have been.
While looking through the Directions historical archives, we found dozens of old issues of The Slice, a zine made by, for, and about street youth. We were delighted to find this issue so beautifully highlighting that youth services at FSGV has always valued youth input, that the foundation of Safehouse is youth-informed care.
Today we’re highlighting one specific support we offer to Safehouse youth—one that they receive when they leave. When a youth leaves Safehouse to move into an apartment, we provide them with a Move Out Kit.
These kits contain home basics like cutlery, dishes, and bedding. They’re our way of ensuring that youth get to step into their next chapter with dignity. Youth get to move into a place that immediately can feel like home.
“We always want to empower them,” says Stevie, Youth Worker at Safehouse.
This October, in recognition of Homelessness Action Week, we’re fundraising for more Move Out Kits, as well as all of our our youth-informed initiatives and client-led programs.
Help a young person start the next chapter of their life equipped to thrive. Here’s how far your gift can go:
$35
provides youth with basic cleaning supplies, including brooms, dustpans, and wipes
$70
equips a youth with a kitchen set that includes plates, bowls, cups, mugs, cutlery, and cooking utensils
$100
provides them with everything they need for a comfortable night of sleep: a set of fresh sheets, pillows, and comforters
$200
furnishes their apartment with secondhand furniture like a couch, table, and chairs
The Safehouse Move Out Kits are a youth-informed initiative. Youth told us about how uncomfortable it is to move into a place empty-handed, so we’re making sure they don’t have to. Our goal has always been to empower youth for their next chapter.
Interested in learning more about how we’ve included youth for 30+ years? Follow along with the Directions: Past, Present, Future campaign on our social media channels.
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Directions Youth Services is a division of Family Services of Greater Vancouver, a Canadian charity that has supported vulnerable children, youth, and families since 1928. Through DYS, FSGV operates as a non-profit for homeless youth, with wrap-around services including a 24/7/365 Drop-In Centre, youth shelter, youth transitional housing, and over a dozen youth empowerment and support services. Your charitable donation makes our work possible, and every monetary gift is eligible for a charitable donation tax credit. For a look at some of the charitable impact your gift has, check our our latest Annual Report. For more information on our charitable giving options, you can explore our Giving page or get in touch with us directly at: [email protected]
*Suggested donation reflects purchasing power. Funds raised through this campaign will go towards supporting FSGV and Direction Youth Services’ most urgent needs and programming. For any questions about your donation, contact [email protected].
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