Transforming Stories
Supporting Youth
Our mission making connections through our multidisciplinary approach!
Angel first became a client of Banyan Community Services at the young age of 13. A highly volatile youth with a history of neglect and trauma, created an inability to be able to communicate her needs and vulnerabilities. Angel was criminally entrenched, participating in a high-risk lifestyle with little care of the consequences. Accountability within the family home was non-existent and she relied on her supports threaded throughout Youth Justice to provide her a level of consistency and support that she failed to receive elsewhere. Although resistant and challenging, Angel became connected to Banyan’s Counselling and Assessment program through a Youth Justice referral. Initially guarded and resistant, Angel slowly developed trust and rapport with the clinical team.
With this trust came a more open-minded approach to engaging in other community programs, specifically surrounding her education. While remaining connected to Banyan’s Counselling and Assessment Program, Angel was referred to Banyan’s Bridge School Program, where she found a new determination to complete her high school education. Angel was also connected to Banyan’s Reintegration Program, which provided her with additional support to aid in employment and housing exploration. While participating in all programs simultaneously, she continued to develop pro-social relationships with the staff who worked collaboratively together to ensure seamless service delivery and provided the consistency and commitment that Angel needed. Angel heavily relied on all three Banyan programs for emotional support, encouragement and to provide her with a structure she thrived within.
Throughout her involvement, Angel struggled with addiction and incurred additional charges. Angel continued to navigate an anti-social lifestyle in the midst of contemplating pro-social changes. Angel became pregnant at 18 years and her determination to do better was evident. She successfully completed her Youth Justice requirements; however, with this achievement she also had the loss of all Youth Justice supports, including Banyan’s programs. Given the recent birth of Angel’s daughter, she has been connected with Banyan’s Young Parent Program and has had the opportunity to reconnect with her previous Reintegration Worker. Becoming a parent has presented new challenges and additional pressures on Angel that she did not anticipate.
Through the United Way Funding, Angel was able to be reconnected with her Counselling and Assessment clinician to receive clinical support to help her navigate this new chapter of her journey. Angel has expressed a commitment to both her daughter and herself to provide a different childhood than what she had experienced, but with that said, she needs Banyan’s support. Angel continues to make gains, acknowledges setbacks, and utilize her strengths to propel herself forward. She graduated high school in June 2024, an achievement that she feels she would not have reached without the support of Banyan. Angel has indicated that without Banyan’s support her future would have been riddled with criminally entrenched behaviours, chronic substance abuse, mental unwellness and prostitution.
Angel now projects a future focused attitude, filled with hope and motivation. Banyan’s ability to provide continued clinical support to this client reduces multi-faceted risk and provides an opportunity of mental wellness and continued successes. To be able to travel on such a journey with a client is a privilege.
Helping Adults
Our values at work when it matters most!
Banyan’s Grocer-Ease program is part of a network of community support services that enables people to live independently in their own homes. Seniors are matched with a shopper in their area. The program is completely accessible, involving no technology, which is often a barrier for many seniors seeking service. Grocery lists are taken over the phone and payment can be cash or cheque. Staff can also assist with putting groceries away.