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 My name is Jennie. I grew up surrounded by family who lived with addictions to hard drugs and alcohol. My mom and dad were always high or drunk, and eventually I became addicted to hard drugs and alcohol too. I saw what that lifestyle had done to my own family, and I knew I had to get out. I knew I wanted more than that from my life. I've been a resident at START House for nine months now. The staff here have been awesome.I used to think that when they told me that I was a beautiful, caring, intelligent young woman that they were ‘just saying’ it, but now I know that they mean it and they really care about the kids that come through here I’ve had a hard go of it, but I’m really proud of myself for having kicked my addictions and confronted a lot of issues that I used drugs and alcohol to get rid of. I’ve learned a lot of basic life skills at START like budgeting, cooking and cleaning, but I’ve also learned to believe in myself. It’s meant a lot to know people care about me and to have a safe place I can call home for the first time in my life. I know that I can put my experience to use helping other kids like me, so my goal is to finish High School and enroll in Grant MacEwan College to become a Rehabilitation Worker or a Youth Addictions Counsellor. Thanks to YESS, I’m on my way to a normal, happy, healthy life.
For most kids the everyday dreams of going to school, owning a house and raising a family are things to look forward to as part of a happy, healthy future. But for many of the youth that YESS assists, such dreams seem the farthest thing from reality a future that may never belong to them. Each year, YESS helps over 4000 kids with their everyday needs such as food, clothing and shelter. But more importantly, YESS gives these kids the guidance, support and hope to dream about a future they thought might never be theirs. As with all dreams, it takes some help sometimes to make them come true. YESS needs the help of individual and corporate donors to give these kids a pillow for today on which to dream of tomorrow. This year’s campaign goal has been set at $400,000 funds that are desperately needed to meet rising costs and continue offering programs and services to help young people like Jennie.
 
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