Q: What can I expect when I go to OSYS for the first time?
A: Staff will greet you at the door and sign you in. We will ask your name (it doesn't have to be the name on your birth certificate, tell us the name you'd like to be called while you're here), age, gender (whatever makes sense to you), and ethnicity. We will let you know what the rules are, explain how our program works, and show you around the building. If you'd like support with anything more than a snack and some clothes, we'll also have you sign a consent form. You are welcome to tell us what you need help with, or you're welcome to just hang out with us.
Q: If I have a question about your program, how do I get it answered if I can't come to you in person?
A: Give us a phone call at 780-496-5947, and leave us a message if we can't get to the phone! Or, feel free to reach out to the Program Coordinator at [email protected].
Q: I just turned 24. Can I still come to OSYS?
A: Yes! We serve people ages 14-24, up until your 25 birthday. When you get close to aging out of our program, we will help you look for other resources that will help you in similar ways so you aren't cut off of supports.
Q: How can you help me with housing?
A: Our staff will ask you what your current situation is, such as where you're staying, what kind of income you have, if you have any workers, etc. From there, we can help you in a few different ways. We can make referrals to housing agencies, help you research housing programs, or help you look for places to rent. We can also help you with some of the first steps to finding a place, such as getting an ID, applying for income support, or getting a bank account. There is no "one size fits all" all solution to finding a place to live, so we'll help you with what you need and want.
Q: Can I get a free bus pass?
A: The answer depends on the availability of ARC Cards and your general situation. We partner with the PATH Program through the City of Edmonton, and to be eligible for their program, you must be experiencing housing instability. In short, our program depends on housing, not income. If you live somewhere stable but can't afford a regular ARC Card, our team can help you apply for the RIDE Program. If you have any bus pass related questions, feel free to give us a call at 780-496-5947 so we can help find the right program for you. If you have never been to OSYS before, you will need to drop in during our open hours to get on our bus pass program.
NOTE: If you have a transit ban, we cannot give you an ARC Card. Drop-in to talk about what options are available to you and how we can help you sort that out.
Q: I don't have an ID, can you help me get one?
A: We are more than happy to help you get an ID! Getting an ID depends on what information you have access to (such as if you have your birth certificate, healthcare card, etc.), if you have had an ID in Alberta before, and if you're over 18. Even if you're starting from scratch, we will help you figure out the best way for you to get an ID.
Q: Does OSYS have shelter beds?
A: No. OSYS is a day program only; we do not have people stay overnight. If you need a place to stay, drop in and we can support you with searching for emergency shelter beds
Q: I need a ride somewhere. Can you drive me?
A: We do not offer rides to people under 18 or people who we haven't met before. Our ability to give you a ride depends on staff availability and why you need a ride. If you need help getting to an appointment, we can often help you. If you need a ride to a friend's house, we can't give you a ride. We can help you look for alternative transportation options though!
Q: I am an adult supporting someone in your age range who needs help. How do I get in contact with you?
A: We are happy to answer questions over the phone to better understand the situation. The youth is welcome to drop in during our open hours and build a plan to get help. Please note, for safety reasons, we cannot have people outside of our age range into the building. You are welcome to chat with us over the phone, and check in with us if you drop them off.
Q: I am a service provider looking for resources. Do you accept referrals from agencies?
A: We do not require a referral, feel free to have the youth drop in, or give us a call to talk about arranging an initial meeting with you there, if that would make the person you're supporting more comfortable.
A: Staff will greet you at the door and sign you in. We will ask your name (it doesn't have to be the name on your birth certificate, tell us the name you'd like to be called while you're here), age, gender (whatever makes sense to you), and ethnicity. We will let you know what the rules are, explain how our program works, and show you around the building. If you'd like support with anything more than a snack and some clothes, we'll also have you sign a consent form. You are welcome to tell us what you need help with, or you're welcome to just hang out with us.
Q: If I have a question about your program, how do I get it answered if I can't come to you in person?
A: Give us a phone call at 780-496-5947, and leave us a message if we can't get to the phone! Or, feel free to reach out to the Program Coordinator at [email protected].
Q: I just turned 24. Can I still come to OSYS?
A: Yes! We serve people ages 14-24, up until your 25 birthday. When you get close to aging out of our program, we will help you look for other resources that will help you in similar ways so you aren't cut off of supports.
Q: How can you help me with housing?
A: Our staff will ask you what your current situation is, such as where you're staying, what kind of income you have, if you have any workers, etc. From there, we can help you in a few different ways. We can make referrals to housing agencies, help you research housing programs, or help you look for places to rent. We can also help you with some of the first steps to finding a place, such as getting an ID, applying for income support, or getting a bank account. There is no "one size fits all" all solution to finding a place to live, so we'll help you with what you need and want.
Q: Can I get a free bus pass?
A: The answer depends on the availability of ARC Cards and your general situation. We partner with the PATH Program through the City of Edmonton, and to be eligible for their program, you must be experiencing housing instability. In short, our program depends on housing, not income. If you live somewhere stable but can't afford a regular ARC Card, our team can help you apply for the RIDE Program. If you have any bus pass related questions, feel free to give us a call at 780-496-5947 so we can help find the right program for you. If you have never been to OSYS before, you will need to drop in during our open hours to get on our bus pass program.
NOTE: If you have a transit ban, we cannot give you an ARC Card. Drop-in to talk about what options are available to you and how we can help you sort that out.
Q: I don't have an ID, can you help me get one?
A: We are more than happy to help you get an ID! Getting an ID depends on what information you have access to (such as if you have your birth certificate, healthcare card, etc.), if you have had an ID in Alberta before, and if you're over 18. Even if you're starting from scratch, we will help you figure out the best way for you to get an ID.
Q: Does OSYS have shelter beds?
A: No. OSYS is a day program only; we do not have people stay overnight. If you need a place to stay, drop in and we can support you with searching for emergency shelter beds
Q: I need a ride somewhere. Can you drive me?
A: We do not offer rides to people under 18 or people who we haven't met before. Our ability to give you a ride depends on staff availability and why you need a ride. If you need help getting to an appointment, we can often help you. If you need a ride to a friend's house, we can't give you a ride. We can help you look for alternative transportation options though!
Q: I am an adult supporting someone in your age range who needs help. How do I get in contact with you?
A: We are happy to answer questions over the phone to better understand the situation. The youth is welcome to drop in during our open hours and build a plan to get help. Please note, for safety reasons, we cannot have people outside of our age range into the building. You are welcome to chat with us over the phone, and check in with us if you drop them off.
Q: I am a service provider looking for resources. Do you accept referrals from agencies?
A: We do not require a referral, feel free to have the youth drop in, or give us a call to talk about arranging an initial meeting with you there, if that would make the person you're supporting more comfortable.