Our Blog
Come back regularly to keep up to date on Fernie Youth Services in the community, and current Youth Justice issues.
$25,000 OTF Grant for Imperative Youth Justice Enhancements
“With the new OTF funding, Fernie Youth Services is embracing the future. We’re excited to implement technology solutions that will enhance how we connect with and support the youth in our community,” said Jeff Johnson, CEO, Fernie Youth Services
TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Donates $200,000 to innovative music therapy program for youth
Funding will help racialized and justice-involved youth access mental health care and technical skill building through a 16-week music therapy program.Toronto, Ontario (February 10th, 2023) – TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has donated $200,000 to Fernie Youth...
Hope for Housing
On any given night, roughly 2,000 youth are unhoused in Toronto alone.[1] Statistically, more than half of them will have involvement with the justice system.[2] While every young client that comes to Fernie is unique, an unfortunately common trait is a need for safe...
Bridging the Gap in Transportation Inequality
Connection to services, opportunities, and employment has changed meaning significantly over the last two years as we found a way to make sufficient virtual options. Now that we are moving forward to a combination of in-person and virtual opportunities, we’re re-faced...
Youth are the Climate Change Heroes
Earth Day is over, but the fight for a future is consistent – and the young generation is leading it. Today, there is approximately 1.8 billion youth from ages 10 to 24. This cohort is the largest number of youth in history. These youth are actively educated on...
How can we reduce recidivism?
Recidivism is the tendency for someone to re-offend or commit another crime after completing their first sentence. Go here for a full description of recidivism and why it happens. Anyone who has been through the justice system faces stigma that makes re-entering...
Recidivism: what is it, and why does it happen?
Recidivism is a term used in the justice system for people of all ages. It describes a person’s relapse into criminal behaviour or reoffence within three years of release. Combatting recidivism is the primary goal in the youth justice system. Youth programs are...
Setting Personal Boundaries in Social Services
Whether you've heard it in team meetings or felt it yourself, burnout is a prominent concern for most of us today. When you work in a frontline role that regularly takes a lot of emotional investment, burnout is a daily risk. Alexis is a Community Support Worker at...
Island Road Music Program
Our vision is to see youth flourish into their best selves, and we recognize there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this journey. We built our music program for this exact reason.What is Fernie’s Island Road music program?One of our favourite growth opportunities...
CNOY 2022: what are my options?
February 26th is coming quickly, and we have two options to ensure everyone is comfortable participating and has fun. Most importantly, no matter, how you join us on event day, you will leave a positive impact on at-risk youth. The Coldest Night of the Year is about...
2021: A demanding but crucial year
Wow… 2021. As we come to a close on another year full of the unexpected, we want to take the time to reflect on its successes and challenges. We must recognize Fernie’s frontline staff and how they went above and beyond to care beyond reason no matter what. With a...
Commitment to Change
We’re living in a time where it seems as if the landscape of society as we know it is constantly changing. There are always new issues and concerns coming to the forefront, each worthy of attention and action. In the midst of ever-changing circumstances around us,...