YSSN Stories

Hear stories from people we've supported, family members and staff

Finding My Way

Every journey is different. In these videos, people share their own stories of how YSSN supported them to find their way forward.

Finding My Way: Jordan's Story of Hope and Growth

Jordan and his family receive support for his developmental disability: “YSSN has helped me get on a different path. They’ve helped me live a much more stable and happy life.”

Finding My Way: Lea's Story of Patience and Love

Lea contacted YSSN to help her cope as a caregiver: “Learning to listen, because I was being listened to so well – it was almost like I hadn’t had that experience before in my life.”



Finding My Way: Barbara's Story of Strength and Resilience

Barbara wanted support for her mental health and hoarding: “For someone who hoards and has a mental disorder, you need those baby steps – and that was key. She understood – and it was really good to be understood that way.”



Finding My Way: Eitan's Story of Courage and Perseverance

Eitan reached out for help to cope with his mental health challenges: “They have programs that show you how to help yourself. For me, that’s the main thing. If I have the tools, I can walk forward.”


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Every person who connects with YSSN has a story. Here are just a few as told by YSSN clients and staff.

Mental health support

From Natasha C.

“I was absolutely blessed to have my YSSN case manage come into my life… I was in desperate shape with both my mental health and my hoarding issues… However, when she came in, that completely changed… I never, ever felt judged. She was truly there for me and to help me work through not only my mental health issues with hoarding, but to help me move forward with my life.”  

Children's Case Coordination

From a parent

“Case coordination was invaluable and ultimately constructive in leading my complex special needs child on an appropriate path of treatment and stuck with us until we were secure.

Although my focus was on the needs of my child, my coordinator also ensured I always felt supported, relevant and included through what was the most frightening and stressful time of my life and ultimately lead me to my network of support. My case coordinator will forever have a special place in my heart and prayers.”

Access Services

From a YSSN Staff member

"JR is a referral from one of our partners. While he reported receiving mental health care in his youth, he remained stable for many years but noticed a decline early in the pandemic. This was intensified by job loss, the declining health of one of his parents, and the end of a long-term relationship.

Due to these challenges, he was in between homes, which took him approximately two years to address, only having some resolution around the time of assessment. Still, this was a barrier. For example, when he was attempting to access regional mental health services, he would not be eligible due to conflicting information regarding his addresses. This was very discouraging for JR, and exacerbated by his anxiety and depression, which caused him to be fearful and overwhelmed. 

As a Streamlined Access Navigator, I worked with JR over several weeks to address the barriers he was facing. This included logistical barriers with his address; barriers from his symptoms; and the barrier of self-stigma. After three appointments, we were able to navigate to appropriate services. JR noted that he noticed improvement in his mood from having someone to share his story with and discuss positive coping strategies."

This is my story

"YSSN has helped me get on a different path. They've helped me live a much more stable and happy life. And basically, helped me with living in a good, safe place and with work. They've helped me become a better person and reach my full potential.

I was diagnosed with my disability when I was around two years old. And then I started with YSSN and maybe one or two years after that, and I've been with YSSN off and on ever since.

There was one time when I was living in a place in Toronto and I was at a really low point because my mental health was not good. So, my parents came to YSSN and asked for help, and they helped me right away. They helped me basically find a new place that I could live, and they helped give me services to help me.

If someone asked about coming to YSSN and getting services, I would say for sure - go for it. It is worth 150% to get the help and support that you need."

~ Jordan, Supported by YSSN, now YSSN Peer Support

Crisis Support

From a YSSN crisis worker

“I spoke with a man in his early 30s who was home alone, experiencing paranoia that he was being monitored by police. I reassured him that he was safe, which helped to ease his fear. Later that day, he called back, still anxious, and together we created a note he could refer to for reassurance. He planned to reach out to his doctor and the crisis line for ongoing support, showing his commitment to getting the help he needed.”

Family Peer Mentor service

From a parent

“Having a mental health diagnosis myself and being a parent of a son with a disability, I felt isolated in my illness and felt isolated as a parent of a child with a disability. My very first workshop I attended I turned around to leave.

They talked to me outside and discussed the barriers I was feeling and helped me to reenter into the room. I heard other similar stories and made some positive connections that day.”

Mental Health support

From a YSSN staff member 

“A young man was suffering from anxiety and depression and felt he had other mental health concerns that have not yet been diagnosed.  

He didn’t have much connection with receiving mental health support in in the past and expressed difficulty navigating the system. He experienced childhood trauma that continued to affect his mental health, along with insomnia, frequent paranoia and anxiety, which impacted his ability to hold employment. 

After the assessment, we agreed he would benefit from support with obtaining a family doctor, consultation with a psychiatrist to obtain a proper diagnosis and medications. We helped him navigate the mental health system and skills groups so that now he is successfully matched with a mental health case manager at LOFT/Crosslinks Housing and Support Services.”  

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