Who We Are!
Youth Assisting Youth (YAY) is a community-based program that matches youth volunteers, aged 16 - 29, in a one-to-one relationship with "at risk" or vulnerable children, aged 6 - 15. These children are experiencing social, emotional, behavioural or cultural adjustment problems. The goal of the organization is to provide a positive role model through a "special friend" relationship. Since 1976, YAY's unique service has served over 13,000 children and youth.
What We Do!
The program provides on-going support for the volunteers and the parents of children involved in the program. Through regular contact, the Case Coordinators and the Parent Support Workers help resolve issues that affect the youth/child match. Workshops on issues such as Mentoring, Substance Abuse Awareness, Child Abuse Awareness, Multicultural and Diversity Awareness, and Child Management Skills provide important information for volunteers. We vary our programs based on our volunteers and community needs.
In awarding the 2001 Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Award, Charles Pascal, Executive Director of the Atkinson Foundation said, "This program is not just a nice thing to do, it has in fact saved some lives."
Methodology
Children are referred to YAY through various community channels such as schools, social workers, doctors, community groups and child protection agencies. They come to us with a wide variety of social, family and community problems. A home assessment is completed for each referral received to determine the needs of the child and family in order to find an appropriate volunteer.
Youth volunteers are recruited from high schools, colleges, universities, churches and the work place. After the initial application, orientation and training sessions are held. An in-depth home assessment and interview by a Case Coordinator, followed by thorough reference and police checks, completes the application process.
Matches are made according to common interests, needs and geographic location. When a suitable volunteer is found for a child, arrangements are made for the child, family and volunteer to meet. The match continues with monthly supervision by Case Coordinators and the Parent Support Workers. Consultations with other agencies and professionals are arranged when necessary.
Benefits
Youth Assisting Youth offers definite benefits to everyone involved in the program.
Benefits for the Children
The prevention aspect of our program is of prime importance. Because of the close proximity in age between the child and youth, the match can have a significant effect on the child, who is more likely to confide in, and accept advice from their peer. With a positive youth role model, children learn to feel better about themselves. They are more able to say "no" to negative peer pressure, grow socially and emotionally, achieve better results in school, and overcome difficult cultural adjustments successfully. They become more responsible, productive and positive members of their community.
Benefits for the Parents of Client Children
YAY works with children from all families including single parent, newcomer and low-income families. The pressures related to raising families often lead to frustration that can directly affect the children. By offering a weekly relief from parental pressures, YAY helps to strengthen family ties and reduce stress.
Benefits for the Youth Volunteers
Our youth volunteers learn to recognize the importance of commitment to others, the value of community involvement and the positive impact individuals can have on the world around them. We encourage them to join YAY's committees and other leadership initiatives. They develop increased social skills and gain valuable experience that helps them make career choices and increases their employment options and opportunities.
Mission Statement
Youth Assisting Youth is a voluntary community-based organization, committed to promoting the healthy growth and development of young people, strengthening families, and responding to and supporting changing community needs.
Guiding Principles
We believe...
- Mentoring is an effective tool that allows all individuals involved to develop their potential;
- Youth have the power and potential to make valuable contributions in their communities;
- Everyone in the organization is an ambassador who has the ability to seek out and create opportunities that strengthen the organization.
Goals
- To provide quality services to young people and families in Ontario;
- To achieve financial and organizational stability and growth;
- To prevent the development of severe difficulties in children and youth;
- To develop leadership skills in children and youth;
- To serve a diverse ethno-cultural community;
- To advocate for changes that will improve conditions affecting young people, their families and their community;
- To educate the community at large about the conditions affecting young people.
History
1974/75 – In response to the dramatic rise in juvenile delinquency statistics, the Ontario Ministry of Correctional Services invited proposals from interested parties and communities for delinquency prevention programs. A committee of concerned citizens, teachers, police and social workers in Scarborough Ontario submitted a proposal.
1976 – The Scarborough proposal was approved for funding from the Ministry under the name, Youth Assisting Youth (YAY).
1988 – Supermodel Monika Schnarr becomes YAY's female spokesperson. (1988-1990)
1989 – YAY expanded into East York and much of North York.
1991 – YAY became a Member of the United Way of Greater Toronto. YAY services were again expanded to include the City of York. Toronto Maple Leaf Dave Reid becomes YAY spokesperson. (1991-1993)
1992 – The Federal Government Citizenship and Immigration HOST program selected YAY to provide newcomer services to children and youth within Scarborough. YAY's holds its inaugural Tree Planting Event at the Toronto Zoo.
1994 – YAY is awarded the Safe City Award from the City of Toronto. YAY's catchment area increases to include York Region.
1995 – YAY presents its first dynamic Fundraiser. The Three Giants of Jazz, featuring: George Shearing, Marion McPartland and Ellis Marsalis.
1997 – YAY develops a pilot “Pre-match” project with the HOST program to provide events for children waiting to be matched. YAY forms a partnership with the Home Depot and the community to build a playground for the Pringdale area of Scarborough.
1998/99 – YAY receives $45,000 from the prestigious Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.
2000 – Troy Ross, Canadian and Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Boxing champion comes on board as a spokesperson for YAY. YAY introduces a scholarship program for Youth Volunteers. YAY introduces its inaugural Heroes of Hockey Fundraising Dinner.
2001 – YAY is presented with the prestigious Ruth Atkinson Award for increasing the life prospects of “at risk” children in the province of Ontario. Vicky Sunohara, Canadian Olympic Women’s Hockey Team member, joins YAY as a spokesperson. A Tri-Mentoring program is introduced, to link corporate executives with Youth Volunteers.
2002 – YAY and the Ontario Equestrian Federation are awarded a grant from the Trillium Foundation to start Saddle Up For Success.
2003 – YAY receives the 2003 Ministry of Citizenship Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism in Ontario. YAY moves its head office to a new location at 5734 Yonge Street.
2004 – YAY and Toronto Police Services begin their partnership with the Saddle Up for Success program. YAY wins a Mayor’s Community Safety Award for the program.
2005 – YAY, Centennial College and Toronto Police Services officially launch their partnership to help provide volunteer mentors for “at risk” or vulnerable youth. This partnership is a result of the Rallying Toronto Against Violence Summit held in March of 2004.