Youth Services Division
The Youth Services division of Saints Care operates Northern Sydney Youth Support & Accommodation Services (NSYSS), Hill Youth Service (HYS) and Hills Youth Brokerage Service (Brokerage).
NSYSS and HSY provide accommodation programs for up to 20 youth aged between 16 and 21 years old. Each participant commits to a case management program with a trained counselor for the duration of their stay in the program. The service provides the opportunity for youth at risk of long term homelessness to establish themselves in employment or further education and work towards their goals and independence.
It is a credit to the service that through stability of accommodation and intensive counseling, these youth (who have come from some very disturbing backgrounds) will have the opportunity to reach their potential.
In addition to residential programs, the Youth Services division networks with other community service organisations to assist in providing educational, group work and other early intervention targeted services. Recently the division was successful in obtaining a government grant to produce a resource kit on suicide awareness. The kit contains helpful information to those who may be at risk of suicide and depression including up to date contact lists for relevant service providers in the local area. 3,000 copies were produced for distribution to schools, doctors’ and community services groups within the Ryde local government area.
The division operates an emergency relief food cupboard at both the Ryde and Castle Hill offices. There has been an increased demand on these food cupboards over recent months. Many young people and their families find themselves in vulnerable circumstances for a variety of reasons and in need of support to source basic living supplies.
The Brokerage program receives a separate government grant for its activities. Brokerage supports case management services that have been developed by other agencies mainly within the Baulkham Hills Shire. Assistance is provided to eligible young people who are experiencing homelessness or who are to risk of becoming homeless. Examples of expenditure include emergency food/living expenses, phone and utility vouchers, clothes, medical and dental care and school expenses.
We are grateful for the skills and dedication of staff that have enabled these divisions of Saints Care to provide a successful and meaningful service to the needy in our community.
Church members are encouraged to generously support this division of Saints Care.