Stories of Hope

It's a great practice to celebrate successes.  In working with many members of YRAEH, it's easy for workers in this field to get burdened and feel the strain of difficult circumstances or a lack of resources or challenging obstacles to effective change and improvements.  However, I truly believe that there is power in the practice of celebrating moments of success and accomplishment.

I have great respect for all of our member agencies who work tirelessly to support homeless, at-risk, low income, and working poor individuals across York Region.  This work is never easy and often requires much dedication and persistence to support and advocate for the needs of these individuals, and to encourage them when they may feel beaten down.  Thank you for all the work you do to improve the lives of so many people, one step at a time.  Thank you especially for participating in our collaborative efforts as an Alliance to impact change at individual, local, and region-wide systemic levels.

This week I just want to highlight and celebrate a sample of the success of one of our member agencies - the Salvation Army Sutton Youth Shelter.  This agency is actively partnering with us in a number of ways, including involvement on our Collaborative Management Group and Transportation Working Group.  Here are some personal stories from Gwen and Peter about the life changing impact of the Sutton Youth Shelter in their own lives.