The Link

"65% of people who live on the streets are former kids in care" -- BC Federation of Foster Parents

The Link is a unique program for former kids in foster care, as well as any past participants of Aunt Leah's programs who need help. The program offers a critical lifeline to youth who might be struggling to cope on their own and have no one else to turn to. It tries to replicate what most young people in our society have as a matter course - a safe place to return to, some financial support from time to time, and the help of caring adult when needed.

Our workers help young people who have "aged out" of foster care find employment, housing and make educational plans. We provide emotional support and advocacy as well as emergency food, clothing and other supplies.
The Link program has three elements:

  1. Outreach
  2. Drop-in for young adults to access extra support and services
  3. Assistance with housing>/li>

"65% of people who live on the streets are former kids in care" -- BC Federation of Foster Parents

The Link is a unique program for former kids in foster care, as well as any past participants of Aunt Leah's Programs who need help. The program offers a critical lifeline to youth who might be struggling to cope on their own and have no one to turn to. It tries to replicate what most young people in our society have as a matter course -a safe place to return to, some financial support from time to time, and the help of caring adult when needed.

Our workers help young people who have "aged out" of foster care find employment, housing and make educational plans. We provide emotional support and advocacy as well as emergency food, clothing and other supplies. The program has a limited number of suites that can be used for short-term emergency housing.
The Link program has three elements:

  1. Outreach
  2. Drop-in for young adults to access extra support and services
  3. Assistance with housing
Who Is Eligible: 

You must be 19 or over and a:

  • Former Aunt Leah's program participant or resident

    • and/or

  • Former kid in care of the Ministry for Child and Family Development.

No referral is necessary to be eligible for this program.

Participants Receive: 

We offer help in:

  • Educational planning
  • Finding safe and secure housing
  • Applying for income assistance and/or disability support
  • Advocacy and dealing with adult services
  • Leaving the sex trade
  • Dealing with health and medical issues
  • Access to emergency transportation
  • Condoms/information on contraception/self-care
  • Use of computer with Internet and printer
  • Use of telephone & fax machine We also provide fun activities, opportunities to be creative through art and music, and weekly drop-in gatherings each Wednesday.
What We Provide: 

The Link offers young people tools, resources and a supportive community to help them achieve their goals and become healthy, independent adults. We provide

  • A transition worker for one to one support who works with each young person to create an Individual Service Plan based on their strengths and abilities.
  • Access to pre-employment training program
  • Help with resumes, job searching, sourcing job applications and information on employment programs.
  • Emergency food and clothing
  • Essential Skills workshops where participants learn practical skills such as budgeting, meal planning, shopping etc.
Expectations: 

If you are in Link Housing, you will be expected to:

  • Attend weekly meetings with a transition worker
  • Participate in Individual Service Planning
  • Follow curfew guidelines
  • Respect that suites are drug/alcohol free
How to Apply and Program Schedule: 

If you are a young person who is eligible for Aunt Leah's Link program, or a social worker calling on behalf of a client, and need assistance with the transition to independent living, please call our Program Coordinator at 604-525-1204 ext. 234. If the emergency suites are full, applicants can be put on a waiting list and will be helped with finding other shelter.

Accreditation: 

This program meets the standards for Accreditation through CARF (Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) International.

Sponsor Logo: 
Sponsor Website: 
http://www.vancouverfoundation.ca/
Sponsor Website: 
https://www.coastcapitalsavings.com/Personal/

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