Our Mission: To provide purposeful resources and create a safe and supportive environment that fosters youth empowerment and development.
Recognizing the Need
In December of 1997, a group of interested Edmonton organizations began meeting to look at creative ways to provide youth around Whyte Avenue with a secure place to gather. This place would allow youth to be safe, to grow, to be supported, and to meet people.
As a result, the Old Strathcona Youth Co-op was established in 1998. We are dedicated to being a non-judgmental, flexible, street-level resource concerned with protecting the safety, self-worth and dignity of youth.
OSYS has become a focal point for youth ages 14-24 to access information and resources to meet their needs. Our staff takes a relationship-based, youth-centred approach to support. Our programming is based on a low-barrier drop-in centre model, meaning youth can get resources and support in a way that meets them where they're at.
Youth deserve services that are flexible and easy to access, which is why our program requires no waiting lists or referrals; youth simply need to drop in during our open hours. Whether it's connecting with staff and working towards goals or benefitting from a safe place to have positive social interactions during the day, our program is designed to create space for all of our clients.
As a result, the Old Strathcona Youth Co-op was established in 1998. We are dedicated to being a non-judgmental, flexible, street-level resource concerned with protecting the safety, self-worth and dignity of youth.
OSYS has become a focal point for youth ages 14-24 to access information and resources to meet their needs. Our staff takes a relationship-based, youth-centred approach to support. Our programming is based on a low-barrier drop-in centre model, meaning youth can get resources and support in a way that meets them where they're at.
Youth deserve services that are flexible and easy to access, which is why our program requires no waiting lists or referrals; youth simply need to drop in during our open hours. Whether it's connecting with staff and working towards goals or benefitting from a safe place to have positive social interactions during the day, our program is designed to create space for all of our clients.
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Interested in learning more? Here are some great resources!
| A Place to Belong: A Special Report on Youth Homelessness in Alberta.pdf |
| Voices From The Tents: Yong People's Experiences in Encampments Community Research Results |