Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker
Purpose
The Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker (EYOW) is a province-wide program designed to support youth aged 12 to 25 who may face barriers in accessing services. This program provides intensive, one-on-one support within the community to help youth navigate complex systems and build meaningful connections. Additionally, the EYOW can provide youth with short-term therapeutic counselling and support.
The EYOW works closely with both youth and their families to identify needs, set goals, and connect them to appropriate services, resources, and opportunities—empowering them to move forward with increased confidence and support.
Impact
The EYOW program has made a significant impact in the lives of youth by providing consistent, individualized support that meets them where they are. By building strong, trusting relationships and helping youth navigate complex systems; the program supports long-term, sustainable change.
Key areas of impact include:
- Youth making progress through the Stages of Change, with many reaching the Action stage and taking tangible steps toward their goals
- Improved mental health awareness and connection to appropriate supports
- Increased engagement in education, employment, or training opportunities
- Strengthened family relationships and social support networks
The program recognizes that impact isn’t always immediate—but over time, many youth develop the tools, relationships, and confidence needed to create positive change in their lives.
Expectations
Once the referral form is submitted, youth can expect to be contacted by the EYOW within one week for a follow-up.
Services are highly individualized, meaning timelines and support plans vary depending on each youth’s unique needs and goals. Together, the EYOW and the youth will:
- Set personalized goals
- Create a plan to achieve those goals
- Decide on how often to meet and for how long
Meeting frequency is flexible and may be scheduled weekly, biweekly, or monthly. The overall duration of involvement can range anywhere from 2 months up to 12 months, depending on the youth’s preferences and progress.
Contact Information
To contact your local EYOW, please email [email protected] or text/call 905-259-2215
Get Involved
Invitation to work with us or donate
We are grateful for the generous support of our funders and partners. Their commitment empowers us to create meaningful change in the lives of youth and families across Durham Region
