Services

Housing Referrals & Information

The OSYS provides referrals to other agencies that provide housing services, such as Nova House, the Nexus Shelter through YESS, Ambrose Place, Cunningham Place, Hope Mission and many others. We also assist with applications for housing if needed

Harm Reduction

The Old Strathcona Youth Society houses a needle exchange, one of the few on the Southside of Edmonton. Access to clean injection and inhalation supplies, condoms and other birth control, and information on harm reduction is available at all times.
https://www.hri.global/what-is-harm-reduction

Employment & Education Info

Staff, volunteers, and students at the OSYS can assist youth in building a resume, online job searches, information on high school upgrading, or figuring out what college courses, scholarships or bursaries youth may be eligible for. As well, referrals for training programs, certifications, and necessary job equipment are available.

Collective Kitchen

Friday afternoons we go to Holy Trinity Anglican Church nearby and cook a collective meal. Youth and Staff all participate to cook, eat, and clean up together.

Art & Recreation Activities

Art supplies and inspiration abound at the OSYS, and staff have many different specialties and are always willing to share their passions. Every Saturday, the Old Strathcona Youth Society does recreation events, either in house or on outings, such as to Fort Edmonton, Edmonton Rec Centres, local festivals, Laser Tag, and much more.

Basic Needs Items

The Co-op provides basic needs items such as snacks and drinks, clothing, underwear, socks, hygiene items, and bus tickets for appointments, job searching, or emergencies.

AHS Health Nurses

Alberta Health Services nurses specializing in STI and pregnancy testing were visiting the OSYS. We are working on getting them back soon. Testing is confidential and quick, and available with little to no wait times. Referrals are given for services that they are not able to complete on site.

Student Legal Services

Every Wednesday between 3:00 and 4:00, we have students from the University of Alberta law program come to answer any legal questions youth may have. They can assist in many aspects of working with the judicial system, and refer to other agencies for more complex needs.