Community Impact
Educational Pilot Program Extended
Alongside giving youth a safe place to stay and teaching them life skills, Safe Haven launched an educational support service pilot program this year. Bringing a Waterloo Region District School Board teacher to Safe Haven, the partnership has been a huge success and has been green lit to continue helping teens gain school credits or transition back to their community schools.
Nearly twenty high school course credits have been obtained so far, with one student even graduating because of the program, complete with an onsite graduation ceremony. This unique program has proven to be an incredible support to youth facing educational barriers in Waterloo Region.
Improving Anti-Human Trafficking Best Practices
Starling’s Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative to combat rising risks in Waterloo Region has been a success. Staff across all divisions received knowledge and prevention training, while Safe Haven Youth Services Manager, Lindsey White, has joined other community leaders in this area. Lindsey has conducted Starling trainings, is involved in external webinars and symposiums, and sits on the Waterloo Region Anti-Human Trafficking Committee.
With this improved knowledge, Starling continues to deliver best practices to keep youth safe and prevent human trafficking, by providing youth with a safe place to stay and trusted staff to confide in.
“The work I do at Starling is deeply meaningful to me and to the communities we serve. I’ve had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while supporting youth as they navigate life step by step. Witnessing that growth is truly rewarding, it goes far beyond a job, it’s a passion. Coming from a background where mental health is often overlooked, I’m proud to contribute to an organization that drives meaningful change through anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and inclusive practices, creating real impact for our youth and the families that we support.”
“I’m proud to be part of an organization that supports the community. The staff that I work with are wonderful and give me the sense that I am home. It gives me immeasurable pride when anyone asks me where I work, and I can say that I am working at Starling.”