Our Organizations
Our Organizations
Hockey Night On Whyte helps build community relationships by connecting the businesses and people of Old Strathcona, the young people in our community, and the organizations dedicated to serving them.
Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS) and the Old Strathcona Youth Society (OSYS) are not-for-profit organizations unconditionally devoted to helping youth that face some difficult realities. Their unique services provide support for those who are most at risk, and have the most potential to build an exceptional future for our community.
Youth Empowerment and Support Services
In 1978, a group of concerned individuals discovered a gap in our social services system. Essentially, there were no programs in place to assist homeless children between the ages of 16 and 18. In response, the group activated the Youth Emergency Shelter Society (YESS) in September 1981. The society provided youth with shelter, safety, and hope during difficult times. Over the years, thousands of kids have come through our doors.
Since then, YESS has opened START House in the west end of the city, and the Armoury Youth Centre in Old Strathcona, which is a free daytime program offering services and life skills workshops for at-risk and homeless youth. Now, the organization has grown into so much more than an emergency shelter. Today YESS stands for Youth Empowerment and Support Services, and there’s lots of youth still in need of our help.
Old strathcona youth society (osys)
In December, 1997, a group of interested Edmonton organizations began meeting to look at creative ways to provide youth around Whyte Avenue with a secure place to gather. This place would allow youth to be safe, to grow, to be supported, and to meet people. As a result, the Old Strathcona Youth Co-op was established in 1998, dedicated to non-judgmental, flexible, street level resources that preserve the safety, self-worth and dignity of our youth. OSYS has become a focal point for youth to access information and resources to meet their needs.
OSYS Mission: To provide purposeful resources and create a safe and supportive environment that fosters youth empowerment and development.
The Rotary Club of Edmonton, Whyte Avenue
The Whyte Ave Rotary is a fun, fearless and focused group of professionals working to create positive changes in our community. We meet weekly at the Artisan Resto Cafe (10732 82 Ave) on Whyte Ave. Together, we make a difference in the community, supporting youth, community growth and community connection in Old Strathcona.