Helping Nanaimo's Youth Build Stronger Futures
For more than 50 years, we’ve helped youth lay the groundwork for safe and stable independence
Helping Nanaimo's Youth Build Stronger Futures
For more than 50 years, we’ve helped youth lay the groundwork for safe and stable independence
Young people are trying to build their future in a much tougher world
Housing costs are high, entry-level jobs are scarce, and without family support, there’s no room for mistakes. No one can overcome that on their own.
That’s why this community built NYSA 56 years ago, and why our community impact continues to matter today.
How NYSA supports youth in Nanaimo
Youth thrive when they have safety, practical skills, and steady support. NYSA’s Youth Impact Model brings these elements together to help young people build stability and move toward stronger futures.
Access to safe and stable housing
A safe home is the non-negotiable anchor that holds potential in place.
Cultivate real-world skills
Learning essential skills is what helps youth turn potential into capability.
Forge local belonging
A community gives potential a place to grow and the support that makes lasting change possible.
Young people are trying to build their future in a much tougher world
Housing costs are high, entry-level jobs are scarce, and without family support, there’s no room for mistakes. No one can overcome that on their own.
That’s why NYSA was built 56 years ago, and why our community impact continues to matter today.
How NYSA supports youth in Nanaimo
Youth thrive when they have safety, practical skills, and steady support. NYSA’s Youth Impact Model brings these elements together to help young people build stability and move toward stronger futures:
Access to safe and stable housing
A safe home is the non-negotiable anchor that holds potential in place.
Cultivate real-world skills
Learning essential skills is what helps youth turn potential into capability.
Forge local belonging
A community gives potential a place to grow and the support that makes lasting change possible.
See how support changes a young person’s future
Real stories. Real progress. Real change for Nanaimo’s youth.
See how support changes a young person’s future
Real stories. Real progress.
Real change for Nanaimo’s youth.
Stories
Every strong future begins with a safe home
Before NYSA, every night was a question mark. I didn’t know where I was going to sleep, or if I could sleep at all.
I was basically homeless. I was stressed out and scared, all the time.
Now that I’m at Waddington House, things feel different. I can breathe again. I’ve got a home that’s mine, a job I like, and people who actually check in on me.
I’m still figuring things out, but this time, I know I’m not doing it alone.
— 2024 NYSA Youth Housing Resident
Stories
Every strong future begins with a safe home
Before NYSA, every night was a question mark. I didn’t know where I was going to sleep, or if I could sleep at all.
I was basically homeless. I was stressed out and scared, all the time.
Now that I’m at Waddington House, things feel different. I can breathe again. I’ve got a home that’s mine, a job I like, and people who actually check in on me.
I’m still figuring things out, but this time, I know I’m not doing it alone.
— 2024 NYSA Youth Housing Resident
How NYSA makes a difference
NYSA’s mission truly comes to life through the programs we run—
and the youth who turn opportunity into a future.
across Nanaimo found support, community, and opportunity to thrive through NYSA programs and services.
of safe housing gave young people a place to sleep, a chance to heal, and the safety to dream about tomorrow.
earned through training and hands-on experience, connecting youth to jobs and long-term stability.
Together, that’s more than $55 million invested in strong futures that started right here —
with safety, stability, and a chance to grow.
How NYSA makes a difference
NYSA’s mission truly comes to life through the programs we run—
and the youth who turn opportunity into a future.
across Nanaimo found support, community, and opportunity to thrive through NYSA programs and services.
of safe housing gave young people a place to sleep, a chance to heal, and the safety to dream about tomorrow.
earned through training and hands-on experience, connecting youth to jobs and long-term stability.
Together, that’s more than $55 million invested in strong futures that started right here —
with safety, stability, and a chance to grow.
Building Stronger Futures, Together
For more than 50 years, NYSA has helped youth in Nanaimo build stability, skills, and confidence.
This year’s impact report reflects what that shared commitment has made possible. It highlights the progress of young people who are finding their footing and the community partnerships that continue to strengthen their path forward.
Governance
Annual Reports
Audited Financial Statements
Building Stronger Futures, Together
For more than 50 years, NYSA has helped youth in Nanaimo build stability, skills, and confidence.
This year’s impact report reflects what that shared commitment has made possible. It highlights the progress of young people who are finding their footing and the community partnerships that continue to strengthen their path forward.
Governance
Annual Reports
Audited Financial Statements
About us
Who We Are
A Canadian registered charity since 1969, NYSA has stood for one idea: when youth have stability, communities grow stronger. We turn that idea into action through housing, skills, and connection that help young people find their footing.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Too often, youth fall through gaps in systems built for adults. Youth homelessness looks different — quieter, harder to see, and almost always preventable. NYSA advocates for change that keeps youth from falling through the cracks in the first place.
Our Partners
About Us
NYSA is a Canadian registered charity since 1969, NYSA has stood for one idea: when youth have stability, communities grow stronger. We turn that idea into action through housing, skills, and connection that help young people find their footing.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Too often, youth fall through gaps in systems built for adults. Youth homelessness looks different — quieter, harder to see, and almost always preventable. NYSA advocates for change that keeps youth from falling through the cracks in the first place.