Testimonials

What's being said about YOU

“ I have seen first hand the difference that Youth Opportunities Unlimited makes in the lives of youth in London. They are a wonderful partner and truly dedicated to helping youth achieve their full potential. ”

- Deb Matthews: MPP for London North Centre and Former Minister of Children and Youth Services

“ Youth Opportunities Unlimited is a great organization that enables young people to achieve their own greatness, in their own way. Every contact Libro has had with YOU has been positive, fulfilling and inspiring. YOU reaches out to young people who have had a rough start in life and, without questioning the reasons or their past decisions and choices, confirms their self worth and their ability to make a fresh start with training and work experience that leverages their own skills, talents and aspirations in a supportive and casual but professional business environment. Young people thrive and contribute to the community and we all benefit. Way to go and keep it up, YOU! ”

- Harry Joosten: Corporate Secretary, Libro Financial Group

“ After struggling to keep up with other students in my first year of high school, I gave up, dropped out and for five years worked as a waitress. When I turned 19, all my friends were moving away to pursue their dreams. With a grade nine education I felt as though I had missed my opportunities and it was too late for me to go back to school. I started to spend time at the Youth Action Centre where I was introduced to YOU services including educational upgrading, post secondary preparation and personal counseling. With the encouragement and support of YOU staff I obtained my Grade 12 equivalency, later graduating from Fanshawe College and then King's University College with a degree in Childhood &s Family Relations. In no small way Youth Opportunities Unlimited opened doors and allowed me to see my true potential and ultimately to give back to the community in which I live.”

- Sarah Pittao: YOU Alumni

“London Innercity Faith Team was founded in 1985 by 11 downtown churches of different denominations to help those in need in downtown London. It is hard but rewarding work which has grown more complex over the years and requires teamwork with other interested groups. We have been fortunate with the growth of the Youth Action Centre at YOU. They are doing tremendously good things with our youth in providing shelter, food, advice, rehabilitation, education, job training and job search. They are a terrific bonus to London's support services! ”

- Vic Morris: Chair, London Innercity Faith Team (LIFT)

“It's easy to walk down Dundas Street and to judge youth who are on-the-street. It's easy to turn a blind eye. Yet the hope and promise of tomorrow for those very youth is tremendous. I know because years ago as a young woman I arrived in London with just the clothes on my back and five dollars. I had left a marriage in which I was physically and mentally abused. I was desperate, emotional, fearful and confused and I needed to make a new start. I found a short-term job and while working heard about Youth Opportunities Unlimited. I went to YOU and was greeted by Steve Cordes and immediately felt I had hope. He listened, provided supportive encouragement, visited my work placement to see how I was doing and, with the help of other YOU staff, helped me find an apartment and even provided a loan for the first and last months' rent. From this point my life seemed to take shape fairly quickly. I had a full-time job and two part-time jobs and I was determined never to be penniless again. Years later I returned to school and studied marketing at Fanshawe College. I had truly been given the gift of a second chance. YOU understands youth. They care about youth. They provide the tools to propel youth into positive action and become productive members of society. YOU truly makes a difference.”

- Sherri Scott: Director of Reader Sales, Service & Marketing, The London Free Press

“As a member of Kiwanis I have been involved with YOU for several years. I will gladly continue to work with them as a community volunteer because they never fail to impress me with their ability to reach out to the young people who come through their doors looking for help. They listen, they care, and they provide solutions. Youth Opportunities Unlimited helps put the shine on London. ”

- Sharon Lessard: Kiwanis Club of Forest City