2 - Phoenix Youth Programs
Phoenix Youth Programs was formed in Halifax in 1984 in response to a lack of emergency housing, particularly for young women and men. Phoenix House was the first program to be opened, to be followed by six other programs in the following years. Phoenix Youth Programs is the hub of programs for street-involved youth in Halifax with an annual budget of $3.5 M and 50 full-time and 20 part-time staff.
Vision Statement
We recognize the value of all youth, and strive for a world where they live with dignity, free from oppression, in a healthy, safe environment. We imagine a society where our services are no longer needed.
Mission Statement:
We support at-risk and homeless youth within our extended community. Our intent is to break the cycle of homelessness by offering a wide range of programs and services. We strive to be a meaningful presence and a voice for social justice in the lives of the youth we serve.
Phoenix Youth Programs operates a total of seven programs:
Phoenix Prevention Program (opened in 2003) – The Phoenix Prevention Program has emerged from an understanding that preventative measures and early intervention can help to address the cycle of homelessness that so often begins in youth. It offers community education and therapeutic intervention for at-risk youth and their families.
Phoenix Centre for Youth (opened in 1994) – a street-front, walk-in service offering counselling, referral to community resources, advocacy, health services, food, showers and laundry facilities.
Phoenix Youth Shelter (opened in 2001) – a 20-bed shelter facility offering a range of services including safe emergency accommodations; clothing, food and other daily essentials; counselling and therapeutic support to enable youth to move forward to a safer, healthier and more productive lifestyle.
Phoenix House (opened in 1987) – a ten-bed long-term residential facility for males and females. It offers safe, supportive housing for youth learning skills for independent living.
Supervised Apartment Program (opened in 1992) – three independent homes in which three clients reside with a live-in support person. The locations of these homes are within close walking distance from Phoenix House where many youth have lived previously. The Supervised Apartment Program provides a long-term, supportive living situation for youth learning skills needed for the next level of independent living.
Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre (opened in 2000) – the goal of the Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre is to provide youth with opportunities for, life-skills, pre-employment, employment skill development. With respect to employment and education, Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre offers several initiatives:
Follow Up Program (opened in 1988) – offers ongoing continuity of support and crisis intervention to former residents of Phoenix House and the Supervised Apartment Program.
Recognizing that meaningful change takes time, this program is designed to remain with an individual over the "long haul".
Other services offered through our continuum of care include:
Health Service (established in 2001) – the Health Service offers comprehensive on-site health care at Phoenix Youth Shelter, Phoenix Centre for Youth and Phoenix House.
Special Initiatives (began in 2001) - offers innovative programming designed to develop youths' skills and competencies through activities that reflect the interests and talents of the youth.
Youth can enter Phoenix’s network of services from any point, and participate in a number of services (eligibility criteria are same for all programs). Each young person has a case manager, and regular case conferencing helps staff to coordinate their work with the same individuals.
Funding comes from a variety of sources, including the federal and provincial levels of government. Substantial fundraising each year results in donations of cash or gifts in-kind from individuals, community groups and foundation/corporate appeals.
