Grace Inn Launches Innovative Program for Educators and Youth Workers to Combat Youth Homelessness in Hastings County
Hastings County, ON – With the support of the Ontario Trillium Grant Foundation, Grace Inn has launched a new initiative aimed at equipping educators and youth workers with the tools to prevent and divert youth from experiencing homelessness.
“Our collective attention to this pressing issue is essential to reduce the number of youth entering homelessness in our area,” says Rob Crisp, Executive Director at Grace Inn. “As of 2021, 40% of individuals experiencing homelessness in Hastings County reported their first encounter with homelessness before the age of 19. This statistic highlights the urgent need for collective action to support youth facing homelessness in our community.”
Grace Inn seeks to connect with educators and youth workers to provide essential resources for preventing youth homelessness. Ashley Vader, Director of Operations at Grace Inn Shelter, emphasizes the importance of this engagement, “Canadian youth have indicated that their teachers are one of the most valuable resources during times of crisis. Many youth report that when faced with homelessness, the first person they would reach out to is a teacher. We believe that engaging directly with educators is vital, as they are often the first line of support for students in a crisis.”
Grace Inn’s flagship program, FLASH (Fostering Lasting Awareness and Support for Homelessness), is a one-hour classroom presentation designed for junior high and high school students. This program encourages youth to critically examine and question the most common myths surrounding homelessness.
Additionally, Grace Inn offers a specialized workshop for educators and youth workers, providing a space for discussion and inquiry. Participants will gain essential skills to identify students who are at risk and make accurate referrals to support services—a crucial step in preventing youth homelessness.
“As educators and youth workers, knowing the next step to support a student—whether it’s a referral to a service or a call to the right resource for help—can make all the difference in preventing a youth from entering homelessness” says Vader. “We have a unique opportunity in Hastings County to unite in taking actions that guide our youth away from the risk of homelessness and protect them from the potential pathways that lead to it.”
Grace Inn invites educators and youth workers to visit http://graceinnshelter.com/youth for more information and to book a session for their classroom or youth group. This valuable presentation will enhance the work of educators and youth workers as they continue their work to support youth who are at risk of homelessness and connect them with the necessary community services. Grace Inn Shelter also hosts tours upon request for students of all ages to see firsthand how the shelter is operated.
If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity further, please reach out to Sydney Jarvis, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator via email sydney@graceinnshelter.com or by phone 343-261-8097. Together, Grace Inn hopes to create lasting change and support vulnerable youth within Hastings County.
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For Media Inquiries please contact:
Sara McNulty
Executive Assistant
Grace Inn Shelter
Ph. 613-403-6429
saram@graceinnshelter.com