CURRENT CHALLENGE
Close to 1 in 5 Canadian youth aged 15–24 (17%) say they always or often feel lonely.
Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Social Survey, 2024
OUR IMPACT
“I love the Core so much. It’s my favourite place… I don’t know what I would do without it.”
– YUE Youth, 16
WHY YOUTH UNLIMITED?
CURRENT CHALLENGE
Nearly 1 in 3 Canadian children and youth (30.8%) live in households that struggle to afford food.
OUR IMPACT
“Sometimes the meal I eat at the Core is the only one I have all day.”
– YUE Youth
Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Income Survey, 2024
CURRENT CHALLENGE
1 in 2 young adults in Canada remember a time growing up when they wanted a mentor but didn’t have one.
OUR IMPACT
“You are the first adult I’ve told this to.”
– YUE Youth
Source: MENTOR Canada, Mapping the Mentoring Gap, 2021
CURRENT CHALLENGE
1 in 7 Canadian youth aged 12–17 (14.3%) rate their mental health as fair or poor.
Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, 2024
OUR IMPACT
“Coming here since 2022 gives me a support system. I get to talk and vent and feel better.”
– YUE Youth
CURRENT CHALLENGE
2 in 3 Canadian youth aged 12–17 (65.5%) experienced bullying in the past year, and 1 in 4 were cyberbullied.
OUR IMPACT
“Coming to the Core really helps recharge my social battery. I always feel great after coming here.”
– YUE Youth, 15
Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, 2023
The Power of Relationship
Relationships First
At Youth Unlimited Edmonton, we believe nothing has more impact on a young person’s life than a caring, consistent relationship. For over 45 years, we’ve walked alongside youth by providing safe spaces, adult mentorship, holistic care and opportunities to grow and lead. At the heart of it all is something simple: young people grow when they are known, valued and believed in.
Our approach is guided by Search Institute’s Developmental Relationships Framework. The framework describes how strong relationships help young people discover who they are, build the ability to shape their own lives, and learn to engage with and contribute to the world around them. In our centres and programs, that looks like this:
Express Care. We show up, listen well and make sure every young person knows they matter.
Challenge Growth. We believe in their potential and encourage them to keep going, even after setbacks.
Provide Support. We guide them through hard situations, build their confidence and set healthy boundaries.
Share Power. We treat youth with respect, involve them in decisions and give them room to lead.
Expand Possibilities. We connect them with new people, places and experiences that open up their future.
When a young person has even one adult they can trust, their story can change. And when we provide opportunities for youth to build several positive peer relationships, those changes are even stronger. Together, we can make sure every youth in Edmonton has someone in their corner.
Our vision is to see every young person explore their potential, understand their worth, and discover hope.
Youth Statistic Sources:
1. Loneliness: Statistics Canada, "You've got a friend in me" (Canadian Social Survey), 2024. https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/6735-youve-got-friend-me
2. Food insecurity: Statistics Canada, Canadian Income Survey, 2024, Table 13-10-0835-01. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1310083501
3. Mentoring: MENTOR Canada, Mapping the Mentoring Gap, 2021. https://mentorcanada.ca/knowledge-hub/research
4. Mental health: Statistics Canada, Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, 2024, Table 13-10-0948-01. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1310094801
5. Bullying: Statistics Canada, Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, 2023, Table 13-10-0948-01. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1310094801