philosophy
All youth have an inherent right to equality, dignity, safety, respect and their basic human rights regardless of age, race, class, gender, sexual orientation, sub-culture, gender identity, abilities and religion or any other distinguishing characteristics. Youth should be understood as a resource, not a problem. Change is voluntary and we believe that consistent service, unconditional acceptance, and healthy relationships are imperative in developing a trusting rapport with youth. It is only through this kind of trusting relationship that, when a youth is ready, we will be able to assist in facilitating a transition to a healthier lifestyle. Our experience has been that a youth driven, peer-based model of service provision allows us to serve youth who are reluctant to access “gated” services, increases youth empowerment, and fosters a sense of youth “ownership” of the project We believe youth have the right to meaningful participation in decision making that affects them personally, politically and programmatically, since youth are experts in their own lives and needs. We value this expertise and recognize that youth must be consulted with in making decisions that affect their lives, and the services that service them. This means providing financial compensation for their consultation in order to make it possible for youth to afford the time to get involved. We thus provide training opportunities for youth with various levels of responsibility for running the project. We believe in reducing barriers to service by designing our project to fill the gaps in service provision, by offering a service that is otherwise non-existent in North Halton at this time. We believe in being a peer-based organization where youth to youth mentorship and skill building is fostered. Above all of this we believe in providing a chance for the youth driven model to evolve and change, as it will in growing to realize its full potential.
