115 Ritchie St #9, Ottawa, ON K2B 6E8

Youth Engagement. Community Outreach. Safety. Inclusion

Areas of Focus

YECO centers its efforts around three core areas, which align with the five essentials for wellness:

background-become-a-volunteer

Youth Engagement: Career & Social Well-Being

We involve young people in decision-making processes. Provide growth opportunities for youth. Empower them to shape their future. Focus on career well-being and help them find fulfilling paths. Promote strong relationships and a supportive network
youth-skills-and-networking-square

Community Outreach: Community Well-Being

Actively engage with and support local communities. Strengthen community engagement and connection. Foster a collective sense of belonging and shared purpose.
two-people-talking-at-table

Safety and Inclusion: Physical & Financial Well-Being

Create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected. Promote physical well-being. Provide resources for effective financial management. Help individuals achieve stability and security in their economic lives.

Volunteer

Join our team of volunteers to contribute to developing young people and the community. As a volunteer for YECO, you will engage in various activities, including event planning, mentoring, advocacy, and outreach efforts.

youth-skills-and-networking-square

COME JOIN US

past-projects-square

Come join us

Land Acknowledgement

Youth Engagement and Community Outreach (YECO Canada) would like to acknowledge that we are located on the traditional, unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People. YECO respects the histories, languages, and cultures of Anishinaabe Algonquin People, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community. Through our work we create awareness around the social issues affecting racialized youth living in low-income neighborhoods across Ottawa. We embrace this responsibility to create a safe and inclusive community for young people.

What people say

Sarah’s Story
Participating in the Photovoice project has been a life-changing experience for me. As a young Black woman, I often felt voiceless in my community. Through this project, I found a way to express my thoughts and experiences visually. Taking photos that captured the struggles and triumphs of my daily life allowed me to communicate powerful messages about racism and resilience. Sharing my work with others and seeing the impact it had on fostering dialogue and understanding was incredibly empowering. This project has not only improved my confidence but also inspired me to continue using art as a tool for social change.
Ahmed’s Journey
Before joining the Photovoice project, I never imagined that my perspective could make a difference. As a newcomer to Canada, I struggled with feeling disconnected and misunderstood. The project gave me a platform to share my story and connect with others who had similar experiences. Through photography, I captured moments that highlighted both the challenges and the beauty of our diverse community. This experience taught me the importance of storytelling and gave me a sense of belonging. I am now more motivated to advocate for inclusion and support other newcomers in their journey.
Tina’s Transformation
The Photovoice project was a pivotal moment in my life. It opened my eyes to the power of art in addressing critical social issues like gun violence and discrimination. As someone who had experienced these issues firsthand, I found it therapeutic to document and share my experiences through photography. The workshops and mentorship I received helped me develop my skills and build a supportive network of peers and mentors. This project not only helped me grow as an artist but also as an advocate for change. It gave me the confidence to pursue my passion for social justice and continue making a positive impact in my community.

Partners

Our funders