Aboriginal Youth Mentorship and Housing Program
Aboriginal Youth Mentorship and Housing Program
Lu’ma provides mentorship support to Indigenous youth transitioning from foster care into adulthood. The program connects youth with the wider community and youth-centered goals of building healthy, meaningful lives and family connections in a culturally appropriate manner.
Our Mandate
We provide Indigenous youth with mentorship, housing and support during their transition from foster care to adulthood. We provide youth with the extended family they often do not have by connecting them to their community and adult allies.
Our Mission
Our mission is to end homelessness by empowering Indigenous youth to invest in their future. We facilitate growth by providing the knowledge of living in a holistic manner and taking care of the youth’s physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental needs.
Our Goal
Our goal is to provide meaningful and culturally-safe programming to prepare Indigenous youth for adulthood. We connect youth to community resources, provide them with housing, educate them about good tenancy practices, further their education, and equip them for meaningful employment.
What We Do
“We work together to further each youth’s individual plans.”
The Aboriginal Youth Mentorship Program is modeled after the Jim Casey Initiative from the United States. We have adapted the program for Indigenous youth by threading Indigenous culture throughout delivery. Our programs are made up of youth-driven initiatives that are both flexible and adaptable to the current and changing needs of the youth.
Interconnectedness is a common thread to success in every stage of development. We strive to build healthy and meaningful relationships with our youth. Like a family, we walk through the trials and tribulations of young experiences without judgement. We support our youth and help them obtain their goals through advocacy, community resources and cultural connections. We know that feeling connected to people and places provides a sense of belonging, honour and self-worth.
In many Indigenous cultures, our children are raised by entire communities, including parents, aunties, uncles, extended family and community members. Through our service model, we aim to recreate a sense of community and family. We dine together, learn together, and experience life together.
Our Key Focus
We meet over 120 times annually through workshops, field trips and one-on-one mentorship sessions. We build community connections, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, by inspiring growth in the 12 key development areas.
Culture
Culture is woven into our sessions and workshops. We host rite of passage ceremonies for all our participants. Arts, Dance, Music and Storytelling are central to our youth mentorship programs.
Relationships
Our relationships focus on building trust and respect, establishing healthy boundaries and networks of support, learning about conflict resolution and the roles of individuals, as well as love and affection.
Life Skills
Life Skills
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Goal Setting
We help youth set goals through vision boards, education and employment planning, and personal progress tools.
Identity
Our youth develop a strong sense of identity by focusing on self-esteem and confidence, self-awareness and exploration, family and community connections, and cultural awareness.
Health and Wellness
Our wellness programs focus on emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health. We educate youth on planned parenting, healthy sexual relationships, physical fitness, cultural physical activities, access to healthcare, nutrition, hygiene, alcohol and drug awareness, grief and loss, suicide prevention, and self-defense.
Housing
Our housing workshops focus on homelessness prevention, tenancy coaching, Ready to Rent programs, and housing advocacy.
Education
Our educational workshops and programs focus on high school completion, education counselling, informative and educational field trips, career cruising and occupation research, and the exploration of general strengths and interests.
Skills and Training
We provide training on computer skills, first aid, food safety, WHMIS, First Host certification, leadership skills, as well as advocacy and communications.
Employment
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Financial Literacy
We provide financial literacy training on budgeting, financial planning, youth passports, taxes, and financial stability.
Entrepreneurship
We support our entrepreneurs by evaluating business ideas, creating marketing, human resources, financial, and legal plans, and holding workshops on organizational behaviour.
Justice
Our justice workshops educate youth on crime prevention and access to legal aid, with a focus on the prevention of gang involvement, date rape, sexual exploitation, violence and abuse.
