YWS Youth Artist Spotlight
“The reason I made this artwork as an evolution process is because of everything I’ve gone through throughout the entire year of 2025. It was extremely difficult to be alone for the first time at 16. I was so scared, I felt alone. I thought there was nothing for me and that life was pointless. Even though I was living with my friends, I felt alone and terrified. I genuinely was not prepared to live by myself.
When my school helped me apply for youth shelters, YWS was the first to respond in the same week as me applying to it; it felt like such a coincidence. When I first came to YWS, I was very nervous. I had never been in a youth shelter before, but when I met Wendy and Osob, I finally felt more at ease because I was worried that I wasn’t going to fit in or feel comfortable here.
As I got used to YWS, I began to feel safer and more comfortable. It helped me learn a lot, become more independent, and gave me a support system that truly cared for me. This place has helped me grow and set boundaries for myself. I’ve noticed that I’ve become much happier and more secure in my future.
That is why the end of the drawing is yellow. I wanted to show how this place has helped me grow as a person. This place feels like a family, and I love that fact.
As long as you try your best, even if it’s small, you can do it. I’m very honoured that YWS wanted me to create this artwork for their 40th anniversary.”
– YWS Resident Youth
As Youth Without Shelter celebrates 40 years of supporting young people, we are proud to launch RiseUp – a community-wide movement rooted in hope, resilience, and the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive.
To mark this next chapter, one of our resident youth created a powerful original artwork symbolizing transformation, healing, and growth. The image of a girl rising represents her own journey through uncertainty and hardship toward strength, stability, and hope for the future. Her story is a reminder of what becomes possible when youth are met with support, compassion, and a community willing to stand beside them.
Through RiseUp, we are inviting our community to come together to help youth rise beyond their circumstances and reach their full potential.
