Operated by the YMCA of Greater Toronto, PYV received the 2008 Eva’s Initiatives award and $5,000 from CIBC for its innovation in working with at-risk youths.
“This acknowledgment is a huge honour for our staff,” said Tracy Arias, manager of PYV's residential democratic living program. “This shows that we respond to the needs of our residents.”
For Shane, 24, who didn't want his last name used, PYV was more than a home — it was a safe haven.
“This place saved my life,” said Shane, who was addicted to cocaine before moving into Peel Youth Village. “I’ve been clean for seven months now.
“Coming here was definitely the defining moment of my life.”
Shane, who wants to go to college next January to study marketing, said he knew he had to get his life together.
“When I got here, I saw how many people were on the waiting list, and I didn’t want to waste a room here,” he said. “This was my saving grace and I owe it all to the staff for their hard work and guidance.”
Shane, who has lived at PYV for the past nine months, is moving out in three months.
“I’m totally ready for the outside world,” said Shane, who works as a supervisor at Boston Pizza. “As long as you’re willing to commit yourself for improvement, this is the place to be.”
Opening in the fall of 2005, PYV, located on Acorn Place near Hurontario St. and Eglinton Ave., has helped 191 youths get back on their feet.
“There were many critics before this program began,” said Janet Menard, executive director, transition and integration of human services for the Region of Peel. “We’ve helped so many youths get off the street, and with love and support, we’ve proven those critics wrong.”
The four-storey residence, which houses 48 youths (aged 16-30) at a time, includes a gymnasium, employment resource centre, meeting rooms and program space.
“Peel Youth Village is a unique approach to homelessness and community services,” said City of Mississauga Ward 4 councillor Frank Dale. “This facility not only provides a safe place for at-risk youth to live temporarily, but provides the surrounding Acorn community with recreational and employment programs.”
PYV was among three Canadian organizations presented with the award, which is named after guidance counsellor Eva Smith, who in 1987 helped found the North York Emergency Home for Youth.
onlinenews@mississauga.net
