Pathways | Health, Housing, Education and Community Programs

Health, Housing, Education and Community Programs - Urban Native Youth Association

Abuse / Neglect, Addictions / Substance Use, Child Services, Education, Housing / Shelter, Indigenous Services, Mental Health - Child & Youth, Sexual Health, Social / Recreational, and Youth Services

Provided by Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA)

The Urban Native Youth Association provides youth with services and programs such as harm reduction, housing, educational support and more.

The Urban Native Youth Association provides youth with services and programs centred around Education & Training, Health & Wellness, Housing & Transition and Community & Connections.

Education & Training

Native Youth Learning Centre: computer-based learning centre, supporting the personal, educational, and career development of Indigenous youth ages 15 to 30. The focus is on helping youth gain employment and pursues education. If not in school right now, the program helps youth return, whether that is to junior high, high school or post-secondary school. The program will help with any educational or employment barriers youth encounter.
Aries Program: alternative education program for Indigenous youth ages 13 to 16 whose needs are not being met in traditional school programs. Referral from the Ministry of Children and Family Development is required for admittance.
Cedar Walk Program: an alternative education program for Indigenous youth ages 16 to 19 whose needs are not being met in traditional school programs. Referral from the Ministry of Children and Family Development is required for admittance.
School Support Program: supports Indigenous youth ages 12 to 18 to stay in and do well in school. Provide support for any issues for youth such as personal issues, issues with relationships or friendships, self-esteem, anything.

Health and Wellness

Native Youth and Wellness Centre: youth clinic providing culturally relevant, welcoming, accessible health and wellness services to Indigenous youth from ages 12 to 30.
Mediation Program: empowers Indigenous youth ages 13 to 18 by offering the support and resources you need to positively resolve conflicts or misunderstandings in your life.
Aboriginal Outreach Team: provides street outreach and support, focusing on Indigenous youth under the age of 19. The outreach team can lets youth know their options for other programs and services that they can access at UNYA and in the community when ready. The team will strive to meet youth where they're at and help take care of youths' immediate needs.
Young Bears Lodge: Young Bears Lodge is a culturally-based, live-in empowerment program focused on recovery from alcohol and drug misuse/abuse for Indigenous youth ages 13-18 years old. The Lodge is a sixteen-week voluntary co-ed residential program.
Clinical Counselling: Individual counselling to Indigenous youth ages 13 to 24. Counsellors will help youth recognize and positively deal with issues affecting their mental wellbeing.

Housing & Transition

Ravens Lodge: transitional group home for female Indigenous youth ages 12 to 18 who are in the care of the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society. Contact UBNYA for more information and help with referrals. Must be referred by the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS) to access this housing.
Aboriginal Youth Safehouse: voluntary, short-term, a live-in program for youth ages 16 to 18 who do not have a safe place to stay.
Aboriginal Transition Team: one-to-one support to Indigenous youth transitioning out of Ministry care and preparing to live independently.
Kinnections Mentoring Program: matches Indigenous youth ages 16 to 19 with trained volunteer mentors

Community & Connection

2 Spirit Collective: provides support, resources, and programming for Indigenous youth, ages 15 to 30, who identify as 2-spirit or LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, gender non-conforming, along with many other identities), and for those who are questioning their sexual or gender identities.
Mentoring: matches Indigenous youth ages 12 to 15 with trained volunteer mentors.
Leadership: connects Indigenous youth with opportunities to become active leaders, mentors, and role models. The youth leadership coordinators act as a mentor and prepare youth to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and transition to leadership roles, both at UNYA, and through volunteering and other opportunities in the community.
Aboriginal Youth First Sports & Recreation: offers sport and recreational activities to Indigenous youth ages 11 to 24.
Overly creative minds: offers Indigenous youth ages 11 to 24 a safe and welcoming space to explore arts and culture, and to find and strengthen their self-esteem.
Aboriginal Youth Worker: works to reach out to youth so that youth know what is available, that they are welcome and valued and feel comfortable accessing programs and services. If youth are facing barriers that keep them from participating, the youth worker will work with youth to address and remove these barriers as much as possible.