New Youth Program

Youth Support Services at Skookum Jim Friendship Centre

By Whitehorse Star on February 15, 2019

Youth Support Services at Skookum Jim Friendship Centre

The Skookum Jim Friendship Centre has just launched a unique new youth services program for people 12-24 years of age. The new program, called Youth Support Services, (YSS) plans to be a hub of real-world information and guidance for young people who don’t have adequate help already.

“Most youth have guardians or family who can show them how to navigate tax forms or university applications. We hope to see YSS become a valuable resource for those who do not,” said Sarah L., one of the lead support workers.

The program offers help with everything from filling out I.D. forms and job applications to transit assistance and referrals to government agencies. Yukon Support Services workers sit down with youth and assess their needs in a friendly, comfortable environment.

“Our aim is to provide important assistance in a down-to-earth, chill way that appeals to young people.” says Genard H, also a lead support worker. “We also hope to get their input in shaping the program.”

The Youth Support Services program, which is being funded by the Department of Health and Social Services, is located within the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre at 3159 – 3rd Ave. Support workers are available via walk-in between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

“We feel honoured and privileged to provide this program to Yukon youth”, says Tammy McKeown, the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre’s executive director. “These are essential services that can’t easily be found at the moment.”

For more information, call: (867) 633-7688 or email sjfcssy@northwestel.net

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Comments (5)

Up 14 Down 0

john from the yukon on Feb 18, 2019 at 4:54 pm

There are so many questions still unanswered and probably never will be. Youth have been told both directly and indirectly that speaking up reporting what is wrong gets your services dismantled and repackaged without consulting you. The adults that believed you and who stood up for you are no longer employed. Anyone with any morals won't say anything because it falls on deaf ears and if said too loudly well history speaks for itself. Those that harmed you are still running million dollar group homes and the director is still the same. We said we were sorry and you accepted - lesson learned.

Up 13 Down 0

Nicole on Feb 16, 2019 at 6:05 pm

Great news that youth have a place to go, the hours don't make sense but why make it about the youth. Honest answers about what happened at ISYY need to be given. Mysteriously an ADM resigns after a report that 'can not be released' is given?? Sounds like some wrongdoing occurred and sounds like some apologies and compensation are due to some youth and staff. The fact that people are now afraid to speak out about wrongdoing.... not surprising given what transpired here. You can only cover up things for so long.

Up 15 Down 0

Brenda on Feb 16, 2019 at 5:59 am

Good for Skookum Jim's! Monday to Friday 9 to 5 - one of the many benefits of ISSY was the hours, it met the kids needs not the staff needs. It's too bad that this service comes as a result of wrongdoing. The Plumbing Gate has never been fully explained, where is the PIDWA investigation?

Up 27 Down 0

V. Deer on Feb 15, 2019 at 10:34 am

Good to have this kind of service. Sad that "watergate" that happened at ISSY has not been flushed out for the public to see. Many of us YG staff working under the Director of Family Services have made complaints. No one listens to us and we suffer. Children and families suffer. Your tax dollars are lost to incompetence or worse. We need change.

Up 16 Down 8

Dianne Davidson on Feb 15, 2019 at 10:29 am

We miss Jane Bates! ISSY was an outstanding place for kids to go and get awesome help when the other government social workers would not help. When kids were abused by the group homes and the director Jane stood up for us.

Whitehorse Daily Star