Youth Resources

Transforming Style





Contact: info@transformingstyle.ca 





Transforming Style provides cost-free support, beauty & styling services and wardrobe to 2SLGBTQIA+ community members in Canada who face barriers to access









Dress for Success 403-262-5776





The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.




Community Kitchen Program of Calgary  403-275-0258



We offer those in vulnerable situations the support they need to feed their families.  The Community Kitchen Program of Calgary operates a self-empowering model to address the needs of marginalized Calgarians.

We have continually evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of our city, in response to our deepening awareness and understanding of the complex issues of poverty and hunger.

Good Food Box: Program under Community Kitchen Program of Calgary whereby anyone can purchase boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables at an affordable price. 



The Alex Food Centre 403-455-5792



The Alex Community Food Centre (CFC) provides people with access to high-quality food in a dignified setting through healthy meals and an affordable produce market.

People learn cooking and gardening skills, and kids get their hands dirty in the garden and kitchen in ways that expand their tastebuds and help them make healthier food choices. Community members find their voices on the issues that matter to them, and people find friends and support.

CFCs offer multifaceted, integrated and responsive programming in a shared space where food builds health, hope, skills and community.



Calgary Food Bank  403-253-2055



You can access a hamper every 10 days

There are no yearly limits to receiving hampers

You can expect an efficient drive thru hamper pick-up or “curb-side” service

You can request a hamper online, anytime, here

If you’re isolated or quarantined, we have a delivery service

There is a safe and secure QR code so friends and family can pick up your hamper

We are open more hours in the week and on Saturdays now

You can pick up a hamper closer to home or work at one of 14 satellite locations throughout the city

If you need support beyond food, we can offer guidance and make connections to some great organizations



McMan  Hope Homes 



Hope Homes Program provides safe and stable housing options and individualized supports for youth, 16-24, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Program referrals: to determine eligibility, a youth must complete an assessment through the Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe). 



• Access housing options including independent living, shared accommodation, supportive roommates, and community housing

• Receive community and professional resources

• Strengthen their life skills

• Move towards their educational and employment goals

• Build their support networks and strengthen relationships

• Connect to cultural resources

SORCe



Homeless serving agencies working together to meet the needs of our clients where they are today. SORCe was developed as a grassroots initiative that is supported by a variety of community based organizations. These organizations strive to expand the capacity, reach and coordination of existing programs and services aimed at addressing the barriers to stable and sustainable housing. 



SORCe is guided by a Community Leadership Group which is comprised of the following agencies:

United Way of Calgary

Calgary Homeless Foundation

City of Calgary

Calgary Police Service

Distress Centre Calgary

Alberta Health Services

Calgary Alpha House Society

Drop In Centre

Kindred

Alberta Justice and Solicitor General

The Alex







Alex Community Health Centre 403-520-2260
The Alex Youth Health Bus (YHB) 403-689-9196
Brings health care to youth, visiting eight partner high schools on school days, including exams, Monday through Thursday.
Doctors, nurses and youth workers offer:
• STI testing and treatment, as well as pregnancy testing and support.
• Birth control education, prescription and supplies.
• Referrals to community resources and services.
• Mental health support and general medical care.
• Someone to talk to who can answer your questions.

Youth Health Centre 403-520-6270
Monday to Friday, noon – 6 p.m. Services for youth aged 12 to 24
• Family physicians and medical resources.
• Counselling.
• Basic necessities (i.e. food, hygiene items, condoms).
• Community kitchen.
• On-site high school.
• Computer access, resume writing and job search support.
• Harm and risk reduction materials.
• Substance use groups.
• Pregnancy testing.
• Parenting support.
• Anonymous STI testing.
• Referrals to community resources.
• Outreach services such as client visits for one-on-one support, court support, accompaniment to other social services, and assistance securing ID documents.

Queermunity: LGBTQ+ youth group for ages 12 to 24.
Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Alex Youth Health Centre.
• Friendship, information, resources, community and connection.

Scholarships are an important part of post-secondary. They’re typically a grant/payment made to support you, a student with your post-secondary education. There are many different types, including Academic merit, leadership, community involvement, athleticism, financial need, and many more! It’s important to research different types of scholarships, their requirements, and when the deadlines to apply are.













Searching for scholarships can be a pretty daunting task, but we’ve made it easier by linking a few websites that have hundreds of scholarships, even sorted into categories. Scholarships Canada, Alberta Student Aid, FinAid, and StudentAwards are fantastic websites to look for general scholarships, and the application processes are relatively straightforward. Education Matters is a Calgary-based website that offers scholarships specifically for Calgary Board of Education schools. You can also check the Calgary Foundation Student Awards for Calgary-based scholarships as well. We encourage you to take a look at these websites to find scholarships you’re interested in!













The next few paragraphs provide some tips and common traits of scholarship applications.













Expectations. Many scholarships expect some kind of written statement or essay (between 300-800 words ? be concise!). These can be about why you deserve the scholarship, and how you’re a worthy candidate. They may be philosophical or may ask you to describe an event to elaborate on a particular point. For example, a prompt may be “Explain a time when you struggled, and how you were able to overcome that struggle”. It’s important to outline your impact, choices, and reflection on these events. Always make sure to have someone review your writing, whether it be a guidance counsellor, family member, teacher, or peer!













References Letters are letters from someone other than family members/friends who can attest to a particular skill. It’s important to pick references who know you as a person, and typically teachers, volunteer leaders and community members are often good references. The most important thing to remember when asking for a reference is to give the person writing you a reference at least 2-3 weeks notice. This will give them time to write a good, not-rushed reference about you! Also, you should explain what you want the person to write about, for example, you may ask a volunteer leader to attest to your commitment, hard work, and punctuality.













Extracurricular activities. Volunteering, apart from having a positive impact on your community, is a great way to network with others, gain new skills and experience, and show that you are responsible, mature, committed, and have good initiative. Many scholarships and universities will ask for volunteer experiences to get a better understanding of who you are, and what impact you have on the community, so it’s extremely important to volunteer with something you relate to and are interested in. For example, if you’re passionate about teaching and you want to become a teacher, consider volunteering at an educational institute. Volunteering is not the only extracurricular, rather, it’s important to be well-rounded, and do activities you’re interested in.













With all this said, we wish you the best of luck in your scholarship applications!




















Alberta High School Scholarship List (last updated September 2020)









Alberta Student Aid – Scholarships



•  Scholarships sponsored and supported by the Alberta Government for post-secondary study





















Alexander Rutherford Scholarship





















Calgary Foundation Student Awards





















Education Matters Student Awards



• Database of scholarships and awards provided by certain Calgary Board of Education schools









FinAid



• Extremely helpful for planning your finances for college! Includes information about loans, federally-sponsored bursaries, scholarships, and more!






















Jason Lang Scholarship



















KinCanada Bursaries









ScholarshipsCanada

•  Scholarship Search Engine, where you can make an account and get scholarships sent to you









Student Awards





• Scholarship database that helps you sort scholarship opportunities by province, school, award value, difficulty, level of study and more!





Anytx

• Collaborative community arts projects engaging youth 13 to 18 in making positive change in their communities.

• Activities including drawing, music, painting (murals), animation, photography, plays and video projects.



Between Friends Club 

• Recreational, social and self-development opportunities for children, youth and adults with disabilities.

• Evening and weekend recreation programs throughout the year.

• Between Friends Camp Bonaventure summer day camp for children and youth 4 to 17 with or without disabilities.

• Between Friends Camp Fun’zAmust sleep away summer camp or youth 7 to 17 with or without disabilities. Adult camp 18 – 40 is also available.

• Day trips and vacation trips for adults 18+.

• Inclusive camp and community program opportunities through I.C.A.N! partners.



Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area

• Free mentoring opportunities for children and youth.

• Teen Mentoring: developing leadership and communication skills for ages 14 – 17 years through weekly mentoring of younger students from nearby elementary schools.

• Youth in Care: mentor youth who have recently been involved with Child Intervention Services or are transitioning into adulthood and independence.

• Services offered in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks and surrounding areas.



Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)

• Girls Culture Club addressing issues faced in balancing own culture with expectations of Canadian society.

• Youth Standing Committee providing organizational and leadership skills in coordinating community projects.

• Youth Cultural Summer Camp offering indoor and outdoor activities focusing on emotional and physical health and self-esteem.

• One-on-one counselling for immigrant girls in high school and junior high school.

• Civic engagement education and volunteering opportunities.

• Mentoring support and volunteer opportunities to be a mentor.



Calgary Police Service

• School Resource Officers (SROs) in elementary, junior and senior high schools providing assistance, guidance and support with issues including bullying, crime, drugs, gangs

and peer pressure.

• Law related education, enforcement and intervention.

• Calgary Police Cadet Corps (ages 12-18)

• Calgary Police Junior Police Academy (ages 12-16)

• Calgary Police Auxiliary Cadet Program (age 18 and over)

• ReDirect is a prevention and education program aimed at youth and young adults vulnerable to becoming radicalized, before they develop extremist ideologies or intentions.

• Youth at Risk Development (YARD) is a community based early intervention initiative that supports youth (10 – 17 years) who are at risk of gang involvement.







Guide to Co-op Programs and What Students Can Expect





Information  for international students, and more details on how it would work if one applied to a co-op program





Why students should take interest/apply to co-op programs





Explanation of co-op varying by different provinces and universities + hyperlink to different co-op resources in each universities





Recommendation on co-ops in different universities based on different interests and programs










Cybersecurity News and Insights to Stay Safe Online – McAfee

• Updates on current issues and developments in cybersecurity, as well as informational articles about safe usage of technology.



Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity – Government of Canada






• Report cyber incidents, receive guidance and support for maintaining safe individual, corporate, and academic online presences, and assessments on current cyber threats and trends.



Get Cyber Safe – Government of Canada






• Compilation of resources regarding VPNs, password/account security, recognizing fraudulent messages/emails, and more.



Google Safety Chrome – Google






• Tips to stay safe and secure on the internet, as well as introduction of integrated features from Google that help keep your browser safe.



Internet Security Center – Norton






• Collection of articles about the safety of various internet and digital practices, from public wi-fi, spotting scams, online finances, malware, and more.



Online and Mobile Safety – Childline






• Resources for children on the internet, support and advice about cyberbullying, social media, and more.

Planning for retirement



• No 18 year old in university is retiring anytime soon, but the basics about retirement should be LEARNED EARLY so that you’re able to plan for your future as soon as possible.



RESP Information – Government of Canada



• Helps student understand their RESP in addition to what extra things (ex. CLB) they may be eligible.



Student Aid Canada



• Provides all of the information needed to take out student loans, in addition to grant information. There’s a calculator available that shows how much each individual is eligible for.







Student Budgeting – University of Calgary



• Provides basic information on how a student should arrange a budget, in addition to a sample spreadsheet.



Whats the Right Emergency Fund Amount? – Vanguard



• Having a backup fund is key, and should be built up overtime. Though a university student will typically need less compared to an adult in an emergency fund









Planning for retirement


• No 18 year old in university is retiring anytime soon, but the basics about retirement should be LEARNED EARLY so that you’re able to plan for your future as soon as possible.

RESP Information – Government of Canada


• Helps student understand their RESP in addition to what extra things (ex. CLB) they may be eligible.

Student Aid Canada


• Provides all of the information needed to take out student loans, in addition to grant information. There’s a calculator available that shows how much each individual is eligible for.





Student Budgeting – University of Calgary


• Provides basic information on how a student should arrange a budget, in addition to a sample spreadsheet.

Whats the Right Emergency Fund Amount? – Vanguard


• Having a backup fund is key, and should be built up overtime. Though a university student will typically need less compared to an adult in an emergency fund







Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC)


• The AFCC offers programs to help Indigenous people connect in Calgary. 





Aboriginal Futures


•  Assisting urban Indigenous people in the enhancement of employment skills, creating the opportunity for self-sufficiency and independence through access to career or employment counselling, programs and services.



Chinook Lodge Resource Centre 

•  The Chinook Lodge Resource Centre — “the Lodge” — is a place for Canadian Indigenous (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) learners at SAIT to gather, connect with peers, access advising and counselling, get assistance with financial aid and housing, speak with Elders and others from the community, participate in events, network and more.






City of Calgary Indigenous Public Art Program


• Moving toward Reconciliation as a city, province and country requires showcasing art by Indigenous artists as a way of understanding and learning about the people who have lived in this region since time immemorial.





City of Calgary Indigenous Youth Resources


•  Many resources for Indigenous youth in terms of career planning, training & programs, education, loans and grants, and job searches.



Diamond Willow Youth Lodge – Miskanawah

•  Diamond Willow Youth Lodge is a safe, welcoming place for youth between the ages of 12 – 29 to drop-in or participate in a variety of programs and activities. The lodge is a hub where Indigenous youth connect with peers, participate in their own sense of healing and well-being while accessing a variety of programs and supports.





Elbow River Healing Lodge

• The Elbow River Healing Lodge offers a full range of primary care services and visiting specialists to First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis, and Inuit peoples and their families. There is no walk-in service available, call to make an appointment.



Iniskim Centre – Mount Royal University

•   The Iniskim Centre offers programs and services to increase the engagement and success of Indigenous students while also raising awareness of Indigenous peoples and cultures.



Metis Calgary Family Services

•  The Metis Calgary Family Services provides services based around the urban Aboriginal community.



The Lodgepole Centre – Alberta University of the Arts


The Lodgepole Center is a gathering place where you can access Indigenous cultural resources, ceremony, programs and support, and where you can reflect, recharge, and renew. It is a dedicated and inclusive space, where all members of AUArts are welcome and it has become a popular meeting spot, showcasing the University’s commitment to Indigenous culture, teachings, art, craft, and design




YMCA Indigenous Programs


• Offer drop-in and registered programs to support Indigenous children, youth and families with cultural identity, leadership, recreation and connections to Calgary’s urban Indigenous communities.










211 Alberta

• 211 is an essential service that helps Albertans find the right resource or service for whatever issue they need help with, at the right time. 211 is available 24/7 by phone, text and chat. The service is free, confidential and available in over 170 languages over the phone. On a national level, 211 connects people to the right information and services, strengthens Canada’s health and human services, and helps Canadians to become more engaged with their communities.



Alberta Health Services









• Addiction help line: (toll free 24-hour) 1-866-332-2322: alcohol, drug, gambling and tobacco addiction information and referral to services.









• Youth Addiction Services: Assessment, counselling, referral and aftercare services for youth 12 to 17 and their families. Day treatment program for up to 12 weeks. 10 day social Detox and Stabilization program; planned intakes only.









• Access Mental Health 403-943-1500









• Best Beginning 403-228-8221: One to one and group support, cooking groups, facilitated discussions of prenatal topics, referrals to community support agencies, milk coupons, bus tickets, and referrals for food hampers, dental referrals and family planning counselling.









• Health Link Alberta 811: 24-hour nurse telephone advice and health information.









• Mental Health Help Line 1-877-303-2642, anonymous and confidential service, Crisis intervention if needed, Information about mental health programs and services, Referrals to other agencies if needed.









•  Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic: Confidential help including birth control, STI testing, pap test, pregnancy testing, morning-after pill and condoms at low cost, Drop-in services for male and female youth up to 24 and males older than 24 if their partner is attending or has attended the Clinic. Appointments needed for HPV vaccinations (cervical cancer prevention) and IUD insertions (requires two appointments).











Al-Anon Family Groups – Calgary (24-hour) 403-266-5850










• A 12 step recovery program for people whose lives are affected by someone else’s drinking.










• Alateen, a group for youth 13 to 19 whose lives are affected by someone else’s drinking.





















Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) 403-253-5250 303 Forge Rd. S.E.










• Long term, semi-residential treatment program, for youth ages 12 – 21 years with substance abuse disorders.










• Treatment of co-occurring mental health disorders.










• Group, family and individual therapy including rehabilitation of family relationships.










• Onsite, registered nurse, Calgary Board of Education satellite classroom, consulting family physician and pediatric psychiatrist.










• Aftercare/continuing care for youth and families.












Alcoholics Anonymous (24-hour) 403-777-1212 









• Daily meetings at a variety of locations.



Breathing Room

• A digital program and app help students and young people reduce their anxiety, stress and depression, and transform their lives. This intuitive program with striking visuals of the app makes it easy for students to engage with the content. Although designed to be taken over 8 weeks in about 20 minutes a day, participants can work through the program at their own pace, repeating any sections that are particularly resonant for them. The whole experience is guided by Melanie Jones, a writer and performer who has been through struggles with depression and anxiety herself.







Calgary Counselling Centre  Register by phone at 833-827-4229



• Counselling works. Whether through virtual or in-person counselling sessions, our clients receive the most effective counselling in the industry. We base our fees on a sliding scale according to your income. That means you pay only what you can afford.















Canadian Mental Health Association  403-297-1700


• Builds awareness about mental health and provides individuals dealing with mental health issues with advocacy, education, housing, counselling and a variety of programs. Whether you or a family member are dealing with substance abuse, mental health challenges or even the loss of a loved one, the CMHA Calgary chapter can help with emotional support, life coaching and programming, as well as referrals to other community resources.







Distress Centre   24 hour crisis line (call or text) 403-266-4357



• 24 hour support offered over the phone. TTY (Hearing Impaired: 403-543-1967) online or via text message.







Kids Help Phone (403) 476-0385



• Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people in English and French.



Hull Services

•  Various mental health support programs such as:

– Bridging the Gap, a community-based program that provides support to Calgarians ages 16-24 who struggle with mental health concerns (self-identified or diagnosed)

– Lasting Impressions, works with families that have dependent children under the age of 18 whose parent is dealing with a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness

– Mental Health and Addiction Navigator: Free resources for parents and caregivers of children and youth who are struggling with mental health and addictions concerns navigate the resources and supports available to them in their community.



Therapy Alberta

•  Diverse & inclusive group of therapists and psychologists who care about building a really good relationship with you.









Urgent Mental Health- Urgent Care 403-943-9383



•  This service offers mental health assessment and single session therapy.







Urgent mental health services are available with no appointment through the Urgent Care department. Individuals need to go through triage and register with Urgent Care. Please note there is no psychiatrist on call and clinicians are not able to make medication changes.















YW Calgary 403-266-0707







•  Women’s 24 hour crisis support. Providing services to support women to gain control of their lives.