Provincial Youth Outreach Workers Program (PYOW)

Program Description

The Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) Program is a community-based prevention and intervention initiative that engages at-risk youth who face complex challenges such as poverty, involvement in the justice system, school disengagement, family conflict, homelessness, or mental health and substance use concerns, and who live in an identified priority neighbourhood and/or belong to a distinct priority population. Youth Outreach Workers build trusting relationships with youth, assist in capacity building, connect them to resources, and advocate on their behalf to ensure equitable access to services and opportunities.

Key Services Offered

Street- and community-based outreach and engagement
Individual support, mentorship, and advocacy
Linkages to basic needs resources
System navigation and service coordination
Referrals to mental health, housing, education, and justice supports
Cultural and recreation programming
Harm reduction and wellness education
Crisis prevention and early intervention

Target Population

Youth aged 12–21 in Windsor-Essex
When appropriate, may include children between the ages of 6-11, and young adults up to the age of 26
Youth from high-needs neighbourhoods or at elevated risk of marginalization

Referral Pathways

Internal
Self-referral
Peer outreach
Referrals from schools, child welfare agencies, police, shelters, and other community partners
Direct outreach in high-priority neighborhoods and community hubs

Program Goals/Outcomes

Increase youth engagement in positive, pro-social activities
Improve access to services, education, housing, and mental health supports
Strengthen youth connections to caring adults and the community
Reduce risk factors related to crime, substance use, and victimization
Promote youth leadership, resilience, and wellness

Contact Information

Siobhan Pantin

Co-Ordinator of Community Programs and Agency Compliance

519-254-2363 x416

spantin@newbe.ca

If you have any questions please reach out to our program coordinator.