Aboriginal Outreach Team

Goals / Purpose of Program

The Outreach Workers provide street outreach services and support to Aboriginal youth between the ages of 13 -18 years old who are involved in street life. We work closely with the three Vancouver Youth Hubs to ensure that youth who are street involved are being supported and are gaining access to the programs and services they need. 

The goals of this program are to:

• Provide non-judgmental support
• Provide at-risk Aboriginal youth with healthy alternatives to street-involvement
• Encourage youth access to supportive programs and services in the community
• Foster increased partnerships among service providers and community organizations to positively respond to the needs of Aboriginal youth
  

The Outreach Workers provide support to youth to find services and resources that can help them to move away from street life, return home, return to school or training, positively address alcohol and drug issues, and many other issues and concerns.

It is our goal to become involved with youth before they enter street life, and we strive to help them avoid street entrenchment. If youth have become street involved or entrenched, we take a harm reduction approach and strive to provide options that support them in seeking healthy alternatives.

Program Activities

• Information and referrals for youth and their families or caregivers
• Direct connection and access to the three Youth Hubs throughout Vancouver
• One-to-one support and crisis intervention, as needed
• Advocacy
  

How Youth Can Become Involved

Youth aged 13-18 years old and/or their families who are willing to work towards positive personal change to enhance youth’s opportunities can self-refer to the program.  Anyone can refer an at-risk youth to the Outreach Workers
Volunteer Opportunities

Due to the type of programming and concerns for youth safety, there are no volunteer opportunities for this program at this time.

Volunteer Opportunities

Due to the type of programming and concerns for youth safety, there are no volunteer opportunities for this program at this time.

Donations Needed

We would be very grateful to accept donations of items that can be given to youth on the street.  In particular, the following would be very useful for our programming:

• Bus Tickets
• New Mitts, Toques, Scarves, etc.
• Granola Bars
• Sleeping Bags (new or dry-cleaned)
• New Socks
• Lip Balm
• Food vouchers
  

Depending on the type, size and value of the donation, UNYA may be able to provide a tax receipt for donations.  Please call the Program Coordinator at 604-254-7732 to discuss your possible donation.

Program Funders

BC Ministry of Children & Family Development

Aboriginal Outreach Team Brochure (pdf)

How to contact us:

1618 East Hastings Street,Vancouver, BC, V5L 1S6
Phone: 604-868-0368 or 604-868-0613
Fax: 604-254-5195
Email:  outreach@unya.bc.ca