Life at YESS

The YESS Executive Leadership team is excited to welcome a new and critical member to the YESS team. Joyce LaBriola is YESS’ first Chief Development Officer. This role has been created to help YESS achieve its bold vision to provide better and lasting outcomes for Edmonton youth in crisis. Her proven track record of providing valuable insights, results and strategic impact, will benefit YESS as an organization and the many youth we help each year.

Joyce has been an advocate for youth and social justice, a community builder, and an experienced leader throughout her impressive working life. She has decided to return to Edmonton to contribute to our mission and vision after serving as the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra in Los Angeles, California. Joyce’s career spans two decades with leadership roles in the sports industry (the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers, the CFL’s Edmonton Elks, the ECHL’s Phoenix RoadRunners, and the ECHL League Office), the arts world (Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the Winspear Centre for Music, the Citadel Theatre, and the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra), and the non-profit sector (HIV Edmonton, Unusual Suspects Theatre Company).

In addition to her professional work, Joyce founded the Artists for Life Foundation in 2009, an Edmonton-based volunteer-run non-profit organization with the mission of advocating for those affected by HIV/AIDS, those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, and vulnerable and marginalized populations while celebrating the philanthropic spirit of the arts. She was selected as one of Avenue Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2012 and has been celebrated for her work in community engagement in Edmonton Woman Magazine and MUSE Music. Joyce has been awarded many honors, such as the National Philanthropy Day Award by the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and won the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose’s Jean Lawson Award for her advocacy work. In addition, Joyce was nominated for the John Poole Promotion of the Arts Award and the YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the Arts and Culture category. As a leader in her field, Joyce was appointed to the City of Edmonton’s WAVE (Women’s Advocacy Voice of Edmonton) Committee and was named as a You Can Play Ambassador representing Western Canada. Joyce is a graduate of Rider University/Westminster Choir College and spent her entire life on the musical theatre stage. She is a professional musician, writing and performing her own work, as well as singing with Edmonton Opera and the South Pasadena Arts and Music Academy.

We are fortunate to have Joyce as a part of our leadership team and we are excited to benefit from all she has to bring! I look forward to our YESS community of support getting to meet her in the near future!

Corey Mowles
President & CEO
Youth Empowerment and Support Services

Tell us about yourself and your position at YESS!

Hi! My name is Marc Majeau, and I’m a Development Officer with Youth Empowerment and Support Services. I’ve been with YESS since 2022.

You do presentations at schools and empower their giving initiatives. How are school-age youth part of the community that supports the youth who access YESS?

When I’m speaking to students of any age, I let them know that you never really know who is struggling. It could be someone they sit beside on the bus, at lunch, or a classmate. You never know what your neighbor might be going through.

Do you have any remarkable experiences you could share from how schools and students have stepped up to support youth in their community?

I gave a presentation to a junior high in Morinville, and the students were absolutely captivated when I explained to them how much food YESS goes through in a year. When you see some of those numbers, it’s quite staggering. After the presentation, they did a month-long campaign, collecting items for the YESS pantry. When they delivered at the end, it was boxes upon boxes of snacks, about double what they were expecting to collect.

What is one thing you wish the community knew about youth who access YESS?

They’re just kids. We’ve all been one. We know how hard it can be to be sixteen years old (even in the best of circumstances!). People that age shouldn’t have to worry about where they are going to sleep, eat, and shower.

CONTENTS

Understanding Adolescent Crisis Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

Providing Holistic Support

Meeting Youth Where They’re At

Creating a Safe Environment for Learning

Supporting Youth Through the School Year

When a young person is facing a crisis, their world can feel like it’s unraveling. Whether it’s the instability of their living situation, the uncertainty of their future, or the immediate pressures of day-to-day survival, these challenges can create a storm of emotions and behaviors that seem insurmountable. As caregivers, educators, and supporters, our role is to provide stability and understanding to the young people in our lives.

Adolescence is a time of intense transformation, both physically and emotionally. For teens navigating this turbulent period, crises can arise regardless of their family background or financial situation. Understanding and addressing these crises requires a trauma-informed approach that balances both outer and inner stability. By meeting fundamental needs and providing emotional support, we can help teens manage their challenges and foster their growth.

Outer stability involves meeting fundamental needs like food, housing, and hygiene. The mental and emotional stress consumed by meeting basic needs because of instability can prevent a young person from envisioning planning beyond survival. In order for a young person to thrive, stable access to food and safe housing serves more than basic necessities, it creates a foundation of dignity. When young people have the stability of their basic necessities, young people can begin to focus on other aspects of their lives, such as self-esteem, acceptance, education and personal growth.

Inner stability involves fostering safe, connected relationships and providing support for skill development. Safe, reliable relationships provide emotional support and model healthy interactions help youth feel secure and valued, providing protective factors of resiliency against isolation and disconnection. Developing coping skills, problem-solving abilities and emotional regulation requires modelling and support to help young people navigate the complexities of their emotions and situations. When youth receive unconditional positive regard—acceptance and support regardless of their behavior or circumstances—they can build a stronger sense of self-worth. This environment of understanding and respect encourages them to engage more fully with their healing and educational processes.

Understanding Adolescent Crises Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

The adolescent years are marked by significant change, making it a particularly vulnerable time for emotional and psychological crises. Crises in teens can occur in various ways, often masked by the typical ups and downs of adolescence. Trauma in adolescents refers to the emotional and psychological impact of experiencing or witnessing distressing events, such as abuse or severe neglect, which can disrupt their development, behavior, and overall mental health.

Adolescents are particularly susceptible to crises that arise from traumatic experiences such as abuse or neglect. The residual effects of trauma can significantly impact their mental health and behavior. These traumatic experiences may manifest as severe anxiety, persistent depression, or difficulties in establishing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships. The psychological and emotional scars left by trauma often hinder adolescents’ ability to navigate social and emotional landscapes effectively.

Substance use frequently emerges as a maladaptive coping mechanism among adolescents in crisis in order to numb emotional pain or escape overwhelming stress. The underlying issues of trauma, such as unresolved emotional pain, feelings of powerlessness, and persistent anxiety, often drive adolescents to use substances as a means of self-medication, seeking temporary escape from their distressing experiences and symptoms. Although these substances may provide temporary alleviation, they often exacerbate underlying issues, leading to a worsening of mental health conditions and potentially resulting in substance dependency or addiction.

In addition, unaddressed mental health issues can escalate to critical situations, leading to self-harm or suicidal ideation. Adolescents suffering from depression may exhibit self-destructive behaviors, as an expression of feelings of worthlessness. In severe cases, these symptoms can culminate in suicidal thoughts or attempts. It is imperative to identify and address early warning signs—such as social withdrawal, significant behavioral changes, or expressions of suicidal ideation—promptly to mitigate the risk of severe outcomes. Teen suicide and self-harm can arise as coping mechanisms for feelings of isolation, worthlessness, and an overwhelming sense of despair; therefore, providing unconditional support and affirming their inherent value is crucial in addressing these extreme responses and fostering their emotional recovery.

Intervening with a comprehensive and trauma-informed approach is essential for effectively supporting adolescents in crisis. By addressing their needs holistically and with sensitivity to their past experiences, adults can help mitigate the adverse impacts of trauma and support the young person’s journey towards recovery and resilience.

Providing Holistic Support

Supporting teens in crisis requires a holistic approach, addressing their needs for physical, mental, emotional, and cultural or spiritual stability and expression. By considering the whole person, we can offer more effective support and foster resilience in young people. This approach not only helps youth cope with current challenges but also empowers them to face future obstacles with confidence.

Physical Support

• The foundation of stability begins with meeting basic needs. Ensure that a teen has regular access to nutritious food, safe housing, and healthcare. These essentials provide more than just physical sustenance; they foster a sense of security and well-being that is fundamental for overall stability. For instance, a teen who knows they will have regular meals and a safe place to sleep is better positioned to focus on their emotional and mental health.

Mental Support

• Provide access to mental health resources, including counseling or therapy, which offer a space for teens to explore their feelings and develop coping strategies. For instance, a therapist might work with a teen struggling with substance use to develop healthier coping mechanisms and address the underlying issues driving their addiction. Additionally, activities that build resilience and self-awareness can play a significant role in mental support.
• Understanding a young person’s interests helps build a stronger, supportive relationship and provides insight into their emotional needs. By engaging with their passions and hobbies, adults can offer tailored support and encouragement that resonates with the individual. This connection can foster a sense of belonging and self-worth, essential for their mental well-being.

Emotional Support

• Building and maintaining strong, trusting relationships are vital. Show empathy, listen without judgment, and offer unconditional positive regard. When teens feel valued and understood, they are more likely to open up and seek help when needed. For example, a supportive mentor or caregiver can provide a safe space for a teen to discuss their experiences of trauma and explore their feelings.

Cultural/Spiritual Support

• Respecting and incorporating a teen’s cultural and spiritual beliefs into their support plan can make a significant difference. This might involve engaging in cultural traditions or providing spiritual guidance that aligns with their values. For instance, a teen from a cultural background that values communal support might benefit from group therapy or community-based activities that align with their traditions.

Supporting young people through their challenges requires a nuanced and compassionate approach. Fostering a truly supportive environment involves more than just addressing immediate needs—it requires connecting with their individual experiences and emotions. Curiosity provides valuable insights into their emotional landscape and social world, as well as providing context in how you can support them well. This curiosity creates a safe, open space where young people can share their concerns without judgement. Share your own teenage experiences to highlight the pressures and overwhelming feelings you once faced. Sharing your own experiences can provide reassurance, highlighting that while life may feel daunting and full of heavy responsibilities, it is a long journey rich with opportunities for growth and new experiences. This perspective helps teens see their current struggles as part of a broader, more hopeful path.

1. Be Curious and Ask Questions

• Show genuine interest in their experiences and daily life by asking about their interests, passions, and activities. This helps build rapport and allows you to understand their unique perspective and emotional needs.

2. Get to Know Their Relationships and Peers

• Without judgment, understand who they spend time with and how these relationships impact them. This insight can help you provide more relevant support and address any social dynamics affecting their well-being.

3. Address Concerns with Non-Judgment and Support

• Approach their issues with empathy and without judgment. Offer a supportive environment where they feel safe discussing their worries and challenges openly.

4. Ask About Their Needs and How You Can Support Them

• Directly ask them what they need from you and how you can best support them. Encourage them to articulate their needs and be receptive to their requests for help.

5. Help Them Visualize a Positive Future

• Share your own experiences and challenges as a teen to help them see that their current struggles are temporary and that life offers many opportunities for growth and change. Engage in enjoyable activities together, such as playing video games or discussing their favorite influencers, to strengthen your connection and provide a sense of normalcy and fun.

Meeting Youth Where They’re At

Supporting teens effectively requires recognizing and accommodating their unique needs, especially during crises. Traditional educational paths may not always be suitable or accessible for every young person. Education can take many forms beyond the confines of a conventional classroom.

For teens facing setbacks in traditional schooling due to personal circumstances or mental health challenges, exploring alternative educational paths is essential. Online courses, community programs, and specialized educational support offer flexible solutions that cater to diverse needs. For instance, a teen struggling with severe anxiety might find online learning more manageable, allowing them to learn at their own pace and avoid the stress of a traditional school setting.

Education is a lifelong journey, and current setbacks do not define one’s potential for future success. As adults, it’s our responsibility to guide young people through the challenges they face, even when their path seems uncertain. While their developing brains may not yet envision the full potential of the future, we have the insight and experience to help them navigate their way forward. Even in the face of suspensions or expulsions, we can foster their education and future by providing trauma-informed and supportive environments. By encouraging teens to explore their interests and develop skills beyond conventional frameworks, we help them discover that their opportunities for growth are limitless. When one door closes, it’s up to us to help them find the window of opportunity that leads to a brighter future. By providing access to resources and alternative pathways to address setbacks, youth can stay motivated and focused on their future.

As a new school year begins, it’s natural for the stress and expectations placed on teens to feel overwhelming. Our role as adults in easing this transition focuses on prioritizing inner and outer stability through consistent encouragement, understanding, and flexibility. A trauma-informed focus on empathic, practical, and attuned responses to the individual needs of each teen. By addressing their needs holistically, young people can navigate crises with support as they grow academically and personally.

As important as education is in the development of young people, it doesn’t have to be limited to traditional classrooms. Education includes learning about oneself, recognizing personal needs, and developing effective coping mechanisms. These skills are essential for young people to navigate current and future crises they will face. Alternative paths, such as online learning or community programs, ensure young people can access the benefits of education in trauma-informed ways that meet their needs and align with their unique circumstances.

By ensuring our expectations are developmentally appropriate to teenagers and trauma survivors, we can proactively addressing any challenges that arise and empower teens to face the new school year with greater confidence and resilience.

Creating a Safe Environment for Learning

Trauma profoundly affects a person’s capacity to learn. The brain’s ability to absorb and synthesize information relies on a sense of safety. For learning and development, the nervous system needs to be in a regulated state where the individual feels secure, what’s known as the “window of tolerance.” The window of tolerance is the state where the nervous system is calm enough to handle everyday stressors and engage in learning new skills. When a young person feels safe, their brain is ready to absorb new information, build skills, and participate in educational activities.

When a teen has experienced trauma, their nervous system often shifts from “growth” mode into “protection”. Survival takes precedence over learning and growth. This state of hypervigilance diverts their focus from learning to managing immediate safety and stability. As a result, their ability to engage in and benefit from traditional educational settings can be significantly impaired. For example, concentration and memory are primarily impacted by hypervigilance—necessary brain adaptations for the classroom.

To support these teens effectively, managing the environment at school and home to prioritize safety and stability allows their brain to focus on growth and development. Trauma-informed practices, such as consistent routines and predictable structures, help teens feel more secure. When their environment is stable, they can shift back from “protection” to “growth”, where their brain can make synaptic connections necessary for learning. By creating a trauma-informed environment that ensures both physical and emotional safety, we help youth shift from a protective mode to a more regulated state conducive to learning. This approach allows their brain to focus on growth and development rather than survival.

The start of a new academic year often brings a mix of excitement and stress, and for trauma survivors, it can be particularly challenging. To effectively support youth during this time, as the adults in their lives, it is essential to maintain open and empathetic communication. Actively listening to their concerns, validating their feelings, and offering practical support can help them feel understood and valued, making it easier for them to handle the challenges of the new school year.

Supporting Youth Through the School Year

As the new school year approaches, new challenges can arise that require empathic support and practical strategies of adults in their lives. Preparing teens for the challenges of the school year involves setting realistic goals and providing non-judgmental support for difficulties they encounter. These commitments increase confidence as youth know they aren’t alone in navigating the complexities of life.

Addressing both their outer needs, such as creating a safe and stable environment, and their inner needs, including emotional and relational support, acknowledges the impact of trauma on their ability to learn and grow. Balancing inner and outer stability can be achieved through consistent encouragement, understanding, and flexibility to manage the pressures teens face. By offering reassurance and managing expectations, we can help teens approach the new school year with greater confidence.

Education should be viewed as a continuous and adaptable process with the option to be tailored to their individual needs. If traditional schooling presents challenges, it’s important to remind teens that there are alternative resources and paths available, and that setbacks do not define their future—opportunities for learning and growth are always within reach.

By prioritizing safety and providing holistic support, we help teens in crisis navigate their challenges and reach their full potential. Education, whether formal or informal, is a lifelong journey that must adapt to each individual’s needs. With the right support, every young person can thrive and continue to grow both academically and personally.

When it comes to supporting youth who are going to school, why are holistic supports (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual/cultural) important to be able to sustain access to education and/or pathways toward education?

Holistic support is vital for youth in education because it ensures they are healthy, emotionally balanced, mentally focused, and culturally grounded. We are an intricate combination of our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs, and in our educational journey, we cannot cut off part of ourselves. For true success, we must include all aspects of a person. Addressing these diverse needs helps students stay engaged, reduces dropout rates, and improves academic performance by creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes overall wellbeing.

We support youth who are experiencing crisis. How does YESS provide wrap-around support for youth who may have non-linear journeys through education to be able to address their healing and stabilization?

YESS provides wrap-around support for youth with non-linear educational journeys by offering comprehensive services that address their unique needs. Learning requires physical, emotional, and psychological safety, which YESS supports by prioritizing the development of inner and outer stabilization. This includes mental health counseling, access to basic necessities like food and shelter, and educational support. YESS emphasizes personalized care, focusing on healing and stabilization to create a foundation for long-term success, helping youth navigate challenges and stay engaged in their education.

What are some real experiences of youth who access YESS and their approach to education?

I have personally seen this with one of the youth accessing YESS. She has demonstrated an effort to continue attending school while also incorporating her cultural and religious principles. She is continuously seeking for ways to improve her life. This impactful experience is one that can foster a youth’s education, career, and a walk towards a better future. She has participated in mentorship programs outside of YESS. Through these programs, a youth gains personalized guidance and support from mentors who offer academic advice, career insights, and personal encouragement. I have seen her confidence build, she is motivated, able to create networking and skill development, all of which contribute to a more robust supportive educational, employment, and housing experience. This helps the youth navigate challenges, set and achieve goals, and stay committed to their educational and career pursuits. 

What is one thing you wish the community knew about youth who access YESS?

One important thing to understand about youth accessing YESS is that they often face a complex mix of challenges, including unstable home environments, trauma, and limited access to resources. These experiences can significantly impact their well-being and educational progress. Recognizing that these youth are not just “at risk” but are also demonstrating resilience and seeking a path to stability can foster a more empathetic and supportive community response. Providing understanding and tailored support can make a meaningful difference in their ability to rebuild their lives and achieve their potential.

Tell us about yourself and your position at YESS!

Hi! I’m currently the Program Kitchen Coordinator here at YESS.  What does that mean?  I’m a professionally trained Red Seal Chef that has a passion for food sustainability, cooking, teaching, and gardening, and I get the pleasure of sharing that knowledge and skills with as many people as possible. 

My role has changed over the years, but it involves highlighting various cultures by hosting a monthly cultural cooking class and dinners.  Other parts of my role include teaching cooking life skills to our youth, running the always expanding garden project, providing groceries and teaching youth how to grocery shop in one of our programs. 

Over the past five years, I’ve taken some initiative to expand my own skills in learning about food trauma and body positivity, which I’ve been able to apply in my own practices with staff and youth, working to help recognize and work through some of their own food trauma and/or just to help expand their knowledge and skills.

Day to day you’ll find me wandering around the garden pulling weeds, chatting with youth and staff about food, cooking with youth, coaching with staff, or grocery shopping. After work, you’ll find me playing in my own garden, paddling on the river, cooking, cuddling with my fur son Henry, or playing some sort of sport.

How do you support youth and youth workers with the “food supports and skills” part of the holistic (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual/cultural) assessment?

My role is focused around supporting youth and staff with food support and skills. I like to focus on addressing education, nutrition, and the emotional needs of our youth and staff when providing support to them. This is done by ensuring access to fresh healthy foods, sharing knowledge, hands-on training, and gardening projects.

 I gain familiarity with staff and open the conversation by being part of the onboarding process, by teaching kitchen and food safety, as well as our internal processes relating to food service. From there, I continue to offer support and resources to staff as requested.

I try to be as trauma informed and holistic as possible by being flexible when working with youth and meeting them where they’re at. I like to make sure classes are as interactive as the youth wants, realistic, and appropriate for their skill level and capacity. 

What is the importance of cultural meals in the spiritual/cultural wellbeing of youth?

Our youth come from a variety of cultures so providing regular cultural meals and cooking classes helps foster healthy connections to heritage and identity, as well as providing educational opportunities to learn about other cultures or share stories about your own culture or family traditions. Having those conversations builds community and connection among our youth and staff, which helps foster respectful relationships. Cultural meals can also provide comfort and a sense of safety among our youth while they may have to navigate unfamiliarity, stress, and change.  I really enjoy learning about different cultural foods, sharing what I learn, and being able to provide culture specific foods for youth as requested. 

What role does the garden at Whyte play in this connection with food?

The garden project at Whyte is one of my favourite parts of my role, and probably proudest as well.  With the closing of Shanoa’s Place earlier this year, and the help of our Volunteer Program Officer and their teams of volunteers, we were able to move that garden over to our Whyte Ave location, and expand our capacity for growing food. 

In spending time in the garden, I find the youth often like to hang around and ask questions about what is being grown, when it will be ready, and maybe tell me their favourite things to make using things from the garden. 

Gardening in itself can be very grounding, healing, and even meditative.  Also, just the benefits of growing your own food is so satisfying.

What is one thing you wish the community knew about youth who access YESS?

One thing I wish the community knew about youth who access YESS is that they are resilient, and resourceful, often facing significant challenges, and still need our support, and understanding while having their needs met. 

I’m Bethany Zelent, Manager of the Wellness Integration Team at YESS. I support a multi-disciplinary mental health team to model, teach, and empower inner stabilization through co-regulation practices to foster holistic emotional, physical, mental, and cultural wellbeing. Providing mental health supports in-house at YESS reduces barriers to young people accessing these services by ensuring they have the help they need when they need it. Accessing mental health supports in the community requires planning, scheduling, transportation, knowledge of resources, and advocacy; but when a young person is in crisis, they need presence, support, and validation. Providing in-house mental health supports literally meets young people where they’re at, as they develop the skills they need to navigate community resources.

In collaboration with subject matter experts and professional consultants, YESS has meticulously designed a comprehensive Holistic Assessment to address the foundations of wellness in young people, ensuring both their basic and existential needs are met and barriers are reduced. The Holistic Assessment, in consultation with Indigenous leaders and Knowledge Keepers, incorporates the elements of the Medicine Wheel—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual/cultural wellness. Over the last six months, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with a team of experts in the creation and implementation of the Holistic Assessment.

Food transcends all 4 categories of the Holistic Assessment, as an integral aspect of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual /cultural wellbeing:

• From a physical perspective, regular access to food provides the nutrients necessary for brain myelination, building synaptic connections to support learning and development.
• More than the physical benefits of having their basic needs met, food is deeply connected to our collective experiences of gathering, togetherness, sharing, and legacy. Sharing meals can foster social connections and a sense of community, which are essential for emotional support and mental health.
• At YESS, our collective mealtimes are an opportunity for young people to connect to each other, as well as with staff; after all, food is a great equalizer. The consistency and predictability of regular hot meals provide a sense of safety and stability for young people, which is essential for their emotional and psychological wellbeing.
• Having access to nutritious meals at scheduled times helps create a routine that young people can rely on, reducing anxiety about food insecurity and ensuring their basic needs are met. YESS is fortunate to have the expertise of professional chefs preparing homemade, nutritious, and flavourful meals with great cultural variety twice every day. Young people accessing YESS services have the opportunity to enjoy shepherd’s pie, Tandoori chicken with rice and naan, pumpkin gnocchi, zucchini boats, beef stir fry, and more. This stability not only supports physical health but also fosters a sense of security and trust in their environment, enabling them to focus on learning, social interactions, and personal growth with greater confidence and resilience.

The monthly Cultural Dinner is my personal favourite example of the holistic impact of food on the wellbeing of young people. Each month, two different cultural dinners are prepared in program so young people can observe, participate, and enjoy meals from cultures around the world. Tiffany, our incredible Kitchen Coordinator, informally collects recipes from young people and staff alike to alternate the different cultures and ensure equitable representation. Young people who are newcomers to Canada are able to enjoy familiar food from their home country, fostering a sense of comfort, connection to their culture, and emotional wellbeing. Tiffany has been guided by young people themselves to recreate family recipes, showing ongoing learning as we all continue to develop our cooking skills and relationship with food. For young people disconnected from their culture, whether from a diaspora or urbanization, Tiffany is able to recreate cultural meals to bridge their cultural connection through this great equalizer: food. The process of creating the food includes clean-up and savouring the meal, so young people are taken through the entire process from individual ingredients to a full meal with leftovers they can continue to enjoy. Tiffany has brought Ethopian, Congolese, Indigenous, Indian, and many more cultural dishes to the table of young people to learn and share from one another.

Our goal at YESS is for young people accessing our services to develop the skills they need to thrive in in[ter]dependence (in[ter]dependence in the development of young people is a balance of self-sufficiency and reliance on supportive relationships. By developing a healthy in[ter]dependence, young people learn to be self-sufficient in their life and benefit from the support and collaboration of others to overcome challenges and enhance their wellbeing.) At YESS, we ensure young people have the food they need to be well and also provide the guidance for young people to learn to practice independent meal preparation, budget effectively for groceries, and plan nutritious meals. These skills promote autonomy and contributes to their overall wellbeing and long-term stability. To ensure young people have the personalized guidance they deserve, YESS benefits from the expertise and compassion of our Kitchen Coordinator, Tiffany Sorensen. Tiffany skillfully blends her experience as a Red Seal chef with her education in food trauma recovery and body positivity to offer 1:1 sessions with young people accessing YESS services or after they have achieved in[ter]dependence. Tiffany offers comprehensive services focused on guided skill development in meal preparation, including proper knife handling, food safety practices, and effective food storage techniques to reduce food waste and risk of food-related illness. She also provides tailored guidance on budget-conscious grocery planning and creative cooking with limited ingredients, empowering clients to maximize their resources. Additionally, Tiffany specializes in accommodating neurodiverse needs, offering personalized strategies for grocery shopping and meal planning that cater to diverse sensory and dietary preferences, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in culinary education.

Food plays a crucial role in shaping the minds and bodies of developing young people, impacting them beyond mere physical sustenance. Proper nutrition supports their physical growth, ensuring organs develop optimally and immune systems remain robust during their formative years. The nutrients in food are instrumental in enhancing cognitive function, sharpening memory, and improving concentration and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, the link between food and mental health is profound. A balanced diet can significantly influence mood regulation and emotional resilience. For instance, deficiencies in key nutrients have been associated with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, highlighting the importance of nutrition in maintaining emotional wellbeing. Beyond its physiological impacts, the act of sharing meals fosters social connections and provides emotional comfort, promoting a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation among young people. Food is more than just sustenance for young people—it is a cornerstone of their growth, health, and overall quality of life.

Food serves as a powerful therapeutic tool that intertwines our capacity to both accept and receive love. Developing culinary skills not only enhances our ability to prepare nourishing meals but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for self-worth and the significance of self-care. By engaging in the practice of cooking, young people learn to nurture themselves and others, fostering a profound sense of connection and fulfillment. Prioritizing nutritional needs simultaneously recognizes their intrinsic value and an essential act of self-love and affirmation, reinforcing the belief in one’s deservingness of care and compassion. Sharing food offers more than just sustenance; it also reduces isolation by fostering connections and rebuilding trust among individuals.

Young people accessing YESS services are just that—young people. They are learning and growing in their skills, practicing for in[ter]dependence. They are learning and growing, making mistakes, and trying again. All young people deserve to have a safe place to grow and develop because all young people deserve to thrive in the world.

We recognize that part of our expertise at YESS is developing holistic wellbeing assessments and outcome frameworks.

Why are “food supports and skills” a core part of youth assessment?

Food supports and skills are a core part of assessing our youth because it helps us understand their needs better and meet them where they are at with a trauma informed approach. This is a key piece for us to better understand their current nutritional state, and helps us know how to guide/teach them these essential life skills to help them become empowered and more self-sufficient. 

What processes or principles do youth workers use to help youth move through the condition levels in the assessment, when it comes to “food supports and skills”?

Youth workers are encouraged to empower youth to expand their food/cooking life skills by creating safe and supportive environments, ongoing support, and encouragement, as well as hands-on support/training. Staff are all trained on kitchen safety and basic skills as part of the onboarding process with follow up check-ins as well. As they continue to work with youth, they create a plan, and support them in moving through the levels of the assessment, with opportunities for hands-on support through cooking classes with our Program Kitchen Coordinator, Chef Tiffany. 

Why is it important to support youth in their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual/cultural wellbeing? Why is it important that youth not only have access to food in programs, but also develop independence around their food skills?

Supporting youth in their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual/cultural wellbeing is essential for their holistic development and long-term success. Proper nutrition is vital for development and overall physical wellbeing by promoting a healthy immune system. Learning food life skills is empowering and helps boost self-esteem, confidence, security, and independence. Focusing on cultural connections can help youth feel a sense of belonging, identity, wellbeing, and can feel healing as well. Developing food skills is crucial for self-sufficiency and independent living.  It can also open doors for employment opportunities, and sustainable living, while promoting healthy habits. 

Learn more about the new YESS Strategic Plan and vision for a more connected, holistic, and lower-barrier system for youth in crisis 

After seven years as our intrepid President and CEO, Margo Long will be stepping away from YESS. Her last day will be September 15, and until then we will be relishing our time with her as Outgoing CEO and also happily welcoming our Incoming CEO: Corey Mowles.

Corey and Margo will work together over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. Corey has already settled in as the Chief Operating Officer of YESS over the past year, and we look forward to his vision and leadership as CEO.

And now, in their own words, we would like to share more from Margo and Corey.

Letter from Margo

Almost seven years ago, on September 15, 2017, I accepted the role of CEO at YESS. My goal was to stay five years—to build a financially stable YESS that can stand on its own with many great leaders, and then to get out of the way. As a team, we have created a much more stable and sustainable organization financially, and I believe today we also have an organization full of many great leaders at all different levels and roles. Things didn’t go exactly according to plan—we could not have predicted a global pandemic in the middle of things, nor did we know the big choices we would make and vision we would build. But we did. We have built such a powerful vision and road map for the future that now it is about consistent execution, continuing to build our leadership culture and getting the work done.

And I am not the one to do that. As hard as it is to say so, my work here is done. YESS doesn’t need a visionary change maker for the next five years; YESS needs a leader and a collaborative leadership team that can ensure you build the path forward together.

And so, on September 15, 2024, exactly 7 years later, I will be leaving YESS.

And the new CEO will be our very own Chief Operating Officer, Corey Mowles.

Over the last six months, the board and I have been working diligently on a recruitment and succession plan, and the board went through a recruitment process throughout March, April, and May and chose Corey to be the next CEO of YESS.

I believe with all my heart that Corey is the leader to host all YESS leaders over the next five-year journey to achieve our goals.

The road ahead will not be easy, but it is clear and completely achievable if you do it together. I cannot ever begin to thank you for trusting me to be a new leader and to help you find your vision.

I do not know what I am doing next but know that I will always be a member of YESS.

With so much love,

Letter from Corey

I am incredibly excited and honoured to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer at YESS, and I approach this opportunity with enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility. Taking over from Margo, whose leadership has been a guiding light for the organization, I am highly aware of the significant shoes I must fill. Her contributions have been foundational, and I am committed to building on her legacy with dedication and innovation.

Working alongside such a talented and passionate team to implement YESS’ bold new strategic plan is not just an exciting challenge, but a privilege. This plan captures our collective vision for the future, encompassing ambitious goals and initiatives that will propel YESS to new heights. It will be thrilling to draw on the diverse experiences and insights of each team member, ensuring that our strategies are informed by the best thinking from across our organization.

I am looking forward to learning and leveraging our combined strengths to navigate the path ahead. The collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence that define our team are qualities I deeply value. I am grateful to Margo for her exceptional guidance, to the Board for their confidence in my ability to lead, and to the entire YESS team for their support and congratulatory messages. Together, I am confident that we will achieve remarkable things and make meaningful strides in our mission. Thank you for this opportunity to contribute to and grow with such an outstanding organization.

Sincerely,

Corey Mowles is an accomplished, forward-thinking executive with a 20-year portfolio of leadership experience across diverse industries. Intellectually agile with a track record of quickly building trust-based relationships, he possesses a unique blend of skills in strategic planning and execution, talent development, coaching, and non-profit leadership. Recognizing it is people who drive results, he is a self-professed Culture Champion who encourages teammates to grow by “failing up.”

Corey has been fortunate enough to have held leadership roles in not-for-profit and philanthropic organizations in Edmonton, including the Alberta Construction Safety Association and the Edmonton Humane Society. Most recently, Corey has been an integral part of YESS in the role of Chief Operating Officer, devising and executing both strategic and operational plans, building new organizational infrastructure, cultivating a positive work culture, establishing and sharing best practices, and optimizing process efficiency.

An advocate for youth in crisis, Corey is passionate about YESS and is grateful for the opportunity to lead the organization’s bold new strategic plan to establish 24/7 Youth Support Centres across the Edmonton region. Corey is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where young people can thrive and reach their full potential.

Originally from Edmonton, Corey is married to his wife Talli, and they have three teenage daughters. A lover of live music and a lifelong fan of the Edmonton Oilers, Corey is a graduate of MacEwan University and earned his MBA from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland.

YESS is committed to continuing our new direction to create better outcomes for youth in crisis. Learn more about our 2024-2029 Strategic Plan.

If you have any questions, concerns, or other messages about this upcoming change in leadership, please reach out to us at reception@yess.org

Happy Pride! Around the world, June is celebrated as Pride Month. This is a time for celebration and reflection for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and their allies, to be loud and proud about how far we have come and how far we still have to go for equal rights and safety.

To talk about the critical importance of providing safe spaces for youth and their gender expressions and sexual identites, YESS Manager of Quality Assurance, Nicole McMillan, shares the research, experiences, and insights that guide the practices in our programs.

What makes YESS safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth?

YESS strives to create a space where youth can feel confident to explore and embody their gender expression and identity without fear of harm, shame, or judgement. YESS demonstrates a safe space by intentionally asking youth about pronouns used, if they need gender affirming supplies, and creating a culture where all facets of the gender spectrum are accepted and supported. Staff training is nuanced and specific and includes training on the different facets of gender (often referred to as the gender “unicorn”). Youth deadnames (the name that a transgender person was given at birth and no longer uses upon transitioning) are referenced only when legally required. YESS has several processes in place to prevent outing a youth to other services providers. 

Why is it important to provide safe spaces and specific supports for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth? What are the outcomes of providing these supports?

Providing safe spaces and specific supports for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth SAVES LIVES.

From The Trevor Project:

LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020).

The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people (ages 13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. — and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.

The Trevor Project’s 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People found that 41% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including roughly half of transgender and nonbinary youth.  

(https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/facts-about-lgbtq-youth-suicide/) 

What is one thing you wish the community knew about youth who access YESS?

YESS youth are funny, caring, and fully fledged human beings. They’re more than their trauma story.