Holiday Monday: YSB's crisis line, crisis chat, downtown drop-in program, and residential programs are open on Monday. Our administrative offices, Employment Services offices, and Mental Health Hub are closed.

"People just loved him. He was full of joy." - Greg McPherson, talking of his son Aric, who died of an accidental overdose. Steps to Remember will raise awareness and funds for managing mental health and the toxic drug crisis. https://ow.ly/uSit50YWEeN

Today, May 5, we observe #RedDressDay, a day to remember Indigenous women, girls and Two‑Spirit people who have been murdered or gone missing due to systemic violence. Show your support by wearing red or a red dress pin as we honour lives taken too soon.

I was very proud to recognize three incredible young people who helped save a life, with Councillors Brockington, Desroches, Kitts and Tierney.

This weekend YSB attended PLEO's Prepared and Positive Parent/Caregiver Conference, a great opportunity to connect with parents and caregivers right in the community. We had meaningful conversations about YSB's mental health services. Thank you to PLEO for organizing this annual event!

It's National Volunteer Week and we have a lot of people to thank. From YSB volunteers showing up to work alongside staff and young people, supporting behind the scenes, sharing their expertise, sitting on boards, and championing this work out in the community. Thank you for being part of this. 🫶

Get your broken items fixed for free! Join Ottawa Tool Library’s fixers and menders at the Repair Café on Saturday, April 18 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre. Find all the details and the 2026 Repair Café schedule: https://bit.ly/4bWwmHh

Tax season is upon us. Here's how the Ottawa community is stepping up ottawacitizen.com/news/local-n...

Reminder: For updates and impacts to #OttCity's services due to the Significant Weather Event, visit: https://bit.ly/4b3L1Qy Check back often for updates that will be published as they become available and follow us on our social media channels.

City of Ottawa: "We have been monitoring conditions throughout the morning and based on the current weather and forecasts, we have assessed that facilities can reopen at noon. Recreation and culture drop‑ins, memberships, facility rentals and programs will resume at that time."

🌸 Happy International Women's Day! 🌸 This IWD, the young leaders of @purple_sisters have created something special: a powerful slideshow celebrating the women who are shaping Ottawa. 👏 Check it out, be inspired, and follow: 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/purple_sisters/

Ramadan Mubarak to everyone celebrating! ✨🌙 As the blessed month of Ramadan begins, may this holy time bring peace, joy, and blessings to you and your loved ones. 💫 #Ramadan2026 #BlessedMonth #YSBOtt

Witnessing, experiencing, or learning about tragic events can affect your mental health. The impact of stressful events can be immediate or delayed.  People may feel a range of emotions and reactions which can affect their mental health. 1/2

Let’s raise awareness and spread the word – because help starts with 211. #211DayCanada #HelpStartsHere Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca to learn more and get connected.

(2/2) Une aide immédiate est disponible pour ceux qui souhaitent parler. La ligne d'écoute du Bureau des services à la jeunesse est le 613 260-2360. Vous pouvez aussi consulter le site web ysb.ca pour discuter en ligne. La ligne du Centre de détresse est le 613 238-3311. N'hésitez pas à appeler.

(2/2) The Youth Services Bureau's crisis line is at 613.260.2360 or visit ysb.ca to chat online. The Distress Centre line is 613.238.3311. Don't hesitate to call.

Deachman: New program helps homeless by keeping them out of shelters ottawacitizen.com/news/local-n...

If we don’t help LGBTQ+ organizations now, services will disappear | Opinion ottawacitizen.com/opinion/help...

The Cold Warning remains in effect. Reminder: Frostbite mostly affects areas of your body where circulation is poor. Dressing in layers can help keep you safe. Find more info at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ColdWeather

Thanks to all the youth who stopped by the YSB table at this week's Youth Pre-Employment Resource & Wellness Fair at Foster Farm! Thank you to @en.ottawa.ca for organizing!

We are reminding families of the importance of keeping routine childhood vaccinations up to date and ensuring immunization records are accurately reported. These measures help keep Ottawa schools safe and protect students from vaccine‑preventable diseases.

Looking for ways to keep the family active this winter? The National Capital Commission has great ideas for family-friendly activities like hiking, snowshoeing, skating, and skiing. Check out their suggestions here: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/blog/top-ideas-winter-activities-ottawa-gatineau

YSB is walking again in the Coldest Night of the Year on Feb 28, and we want YOU on our team. 👟 Walk 2km or 5km with us 💙 Help raise funds for youth experiencing homelessness in Ottawa Join us and show up for youth. 🔗 Walk, fundraise, or donate here: en.cnoy.org/location/ott...

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has placed Ottawa under a Cold Warning: weather.gc.ca/en/location/...

What a night at the Fairmont Château Laurier. A packed room filled with incredibly generous people who believe in our young people and raised over $375K. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone who came out to support the Gold Hearts Gala, the Mayor’s Charity Ball.

A huge thank you to Jamie Fine for being such a fantastic MC at the Fairmont Château Laurier’s Gold Hearts Gala Mayor’s Charity Ball. Jamie, you were outstanding. You brought heart, energy, and genuine compassion to the room. I am deeply grateful for your support.

Thrilled to announce that Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary for Housing and Infrastructure, will be joining us for this event! Register here for info on how to watch in-person in Ottawa, or via livestream or watch party: alliance-to-end-homelessness-ottawa.s1.yapla.com/en/event-78066

A winter weather parking ban will be in effect tonight, January 15, between 7 pm until 7 am tomorrow morning. During a winter weather parking ban, parking is prohibited on city streets so #OttCity crews can plow easily and effectively. Info: https://bit.ly/45NpZlZ

le 15 jan 2026 – En raison du mauvais temps, la clinique de santé mentale sans rendez-vous pour les jeunes du BSJ fermera aujourd’hui à 16h. Veuillez contacter la ligne de crise ou le service de clavardage pour parler à un conseiller en santé mentale en tout temps : 613-260-2360 ou chat.ysb.ca

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 – Due to inclement weather, YSB's youth mental health walk-in clinic is closing today at 4 p.m. Please contact YSB’s crisis line or crisis chat if you would like to speak to a mental health counsellor anytime: 613-260-2360 or chat.ysb.ca

Canadian clash at Canadian Tire Centre ⚔️ 🆚 Vancouver Canucks 📍 Canadian Tire Centre 🕖 7 p.m. 📺 TSN5 / RDS2 📻 TSN 1200 / 104,7 FM 🎟️ ottsens.com/3Zclfm8

Please pass this along. If you, or anyone you know needs shelter overnight, please call 3-1-1 for assistance. #OttCity facilities that are open can provide protection from the cold. For locations, visit @ottawapublichealth.ca's interactive map of places to warm up in Ottawa: bit.ly/3YhKDo7

Please note that Employment Services, the Walk-In Clinic, and our Head Office will be closed on December 25 & 26, and January 1. 💛 We’re still here if you need us. Our Housing & Shelter programs, Downtown Drop-In, and our 24/7 Crisis Line and Crisis Chat remain open and available anytime.

OPS partners with Youth Services Bureau, CHEO, and Kids Come First for youth Mobile Crisis Response team ottawapolice.ca/en/news/ops-... ~ Le SPO, le BSJ, le CHEO, et Enfants avant tout s’allient pour former une Équipe mobile d'intervention d'urgence ottawapolice.ca/fr/news/ops-...

This Giving Tuesday, help YSB deliver critical life-changing - and often life-saving - programming to vulnerable youth and their families. Visit our Shop with Purpose E-Store, where every item connects your generosity to a real, immediate impact on a young person’s life! https://shop.ysb.ca/

We are hiring! YSB is seeking a dynamic Bilingual Coordinator to oversee our Employment Services, helping thousands of people navigate their career journeys every year. 👉 Visit YSB's career page for a full job description and to apply: https://www.ysb.ca/about/careers/ #Ottawa #OttJobs

Looking to spread some holiday cheer? 🎁 YSB’s Downtown Drop-In, a vital space offering support, and community for youth, is hoping to add a ping-pong table to make the space even more welcoming. 🏓 If you can help, please reach out to [email protected].

This week, we honour and uplift transgender and nonbinary youth in our community. 🏳️‍⚧️ At YSB, we believe every young person deserves to be seen, respected, and supported. 🫶

Today, on this Remembrance Day, we honour those who served and sacrificed everything for a better world. Their courage reminds us of the strength that comes from unity, compassion, and peace. We will remember them. ❤️ #RemembranceDay #LestWeForget

At YSB, we know that change doesn’t happen in isolation. A young person might come to us for housing, but along the way they might also access counselling, job support, or mentoring, all through our connected network of services. That’s the power of an integrated approach. Visit ysb.ca for more

Worth watching this. An Ottawa Public Health report shows 1/4 families are experiencing food insecurity. And that provincial funding supplements for new moms don't actually come close to covering the cost of formula or food. www.cbc.ca/player/play/...

Relive the magic of RISE & THRIVE 2025! 💫 👉 Visit www.ysb.ca/rise-and-thr... to view event highlights, photos, and videos, and see how your support makes a difference. 📅 And don’t forget to save the date for next year: October 15, 2026

🪔 Happy Diwali! ✨ Wishing a joyful and bright Festival of Lights to everyone celebrating. May this season bring you light, hope, and connection. We’re grateful to be part of such a vibrant and diverse community.

Every Tues & Thurs, YSB's Youth Mental Health Walk-in Clinic offers immediate support. 🌱 Qs: 613-562-3004 or [email protected]. #OttCity #youth #Ottawa https://www.ysb.ca/services/ysb-mental-health/youth-mental-health-walk-in-clinic/

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at YSB! 🦃 This Thanksgiving, we’re feeling grateful for the amazing youth we serve, the dedicated folks on our team, and a community that stands with us and shows up with heart. Thank you for being part of it. 🧡

Grateful to be working alongside @mayormarksutcliffe.bsky.social and our members to end youth homelessness in Ottawa by 2030. Read this op-ed to learn about the amazing pilot project @ysb-bsj.bsky.social is running to help first-time shelter users find other options:

Wishing everyone a very happy, peaceful Thanksgiving! YSB's offices are closed today. Our Downtown Drop-in and Crisis Line/Chat are open! Visit our web site at ysb.ca for more information on how to access our services.

Ending homelessness: we're all in! The Race to End Homelessness brought together organizations, municipal leaders like @mayormarksutcliffe.bsky.social and several city councillors, MP @yasirnaqvicdn.bsky.social, and runners galore - all with one common goal: eliminating homelessness in Ottawa!

2 more days until the Race to End Homelessness! We've hit over 200 walkers, runners, rollers, and are excited about the impact this event can make. If you haven't registered to participate, you can sign up at raceroster.com/events/2025/...