About MYS:

Macdonald Youth Services (Head Office) as viewed from the North side of the Assiniboine River - August, 1996 Winnipeg, MB Canada

In 1929, a group of concerned citizens founded the Sir Hugh John Macdonald Memorial Hostel to respond to needs of the community at that time. It was named in honour of Sir Hugh John Macdonald, a police magistrate. Throughout his career, Hugh John preached courtesy, compassion, firmness and impartiality. He also practiced those traits. Sir Hugh John Macdonald felt that some offenders had been pushed into their petty crimes due to the harsh social and economic times. He would often suspend sentences and then work to find jobs for the youth. Many times, Hugh John would provide temporary shelter for the young men in his own home. Thus, he not only advocated for disadvantaged youth, but he also set an example by providing shelter and guidance to those in need.

The hostel was originally based out of a rented home on Mountain Avenue, but incorporated as a charity two years later and purchased its first home at 175 Mayfair Avenue. The head office remains at 175 Mayfair Avenue today, with satellite offices located on St. Mary’s Road, Pulford Street and Portage Avenue in Winnipeg as well as offices in Thompson and The Pas. In 1993, the name Macdonald Youth Services (MYS) was adopted to better define the agency and its programs, which now include:

• Adolescent Resources in Community Homes
• Alternative Parenting Homes (foster care)
• Kisewatisiwin Services (northern services)
• Services to Older Adolescents
• Specialized Individual Placements
• Youth Emergency Crisis Stabilization System

In 2008, MYS launched a new logo, the seedling, as well as a new mission statement:

MYS fosters hope and opportunities to empower children, youth and families throughout Manitoba to grow and heal through safe, caring, respectful and collaborative relationships.

Macdonald Youth Services is a United Way member organization that receives both private donations and public funding. MYS employs over 700 full and part time employees and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. In 2008/2009, MYS served over 6200 youth throughout Manitoba.