MYS Programs:

The CSSP began in 1994. Youth who have court-ordered community service work and are identified as high-risk of not completing their hours, or have previously been unsuccessful at completing their hours, are referred to the program for extra support and supervision. Youth work in a supported team (mentors and staff) at various locations in the city such as Winnipeg Harvest, The Winnipeg Humane Society and Fred Douglas Lodge.

The STEP Project operates in Winnipeg and began in 2000. Youth between the ages of 15-20 who are not attending school and are unemployed can apply to participate in the program and receive a stipend, which is the equivalent of minimum wage. Youth develop skills and experience through volunteering in a supported team, participating in life skills workshops, employment workshops and cooking. The goal of the program is for youth to build their skills in order to transition to involvement in school, a training program or employment.

YPIC began in 2005. This program provides an opportunity for youth between the ages of 12-20 to be involved in positive programming. This project came about as a result of youth interest. The evening programming is provided in hopes of preventing involvement or re-involvement in the criminal justice system. This is made possible due to a partnership with Riverview Health Centre and Fort Rouge School.

Volunteer Mentors/Helpers play an integral role in the quality and delivery of services to youth in all areas of the PAY program. The MTS Project is dedicated to the development of Adult Mentors/Helpers (volunteers 18 and older) to adequately and effectively provide service to youth at- risk who come to PAY for a variety of reasons. The MTS Project focuses on preparing Mentors/Helpers to build healthy, trusting and safe relationships with youth and to prepare them for handling issues and supporting youth as they develop their skills and work towards their goals. Mentors/Helpers will receive 14 hours of formal workshop training as well as ongoing support and training from the staff team. Applications for volunteer Mentor/Helpers positions are accepted on a continual and ongoing basis. We ask our volunteers to commit for a minimum period of 1-year.

Please visit our Materials section for our project brochure.

Manitoba Justice contracts with Macdonald Youth Services via PAY, to provide a Community Resource Centre in the Fort Rouge, Crescentwood, and Riverview area of Winnipeg for youth and adults with fines and/or court ordered community service. PAY staff register, monitor and provide placement and resources to these clients as they work to complete their community service. In most instances, clients with Fine Option/Community Service Orders are placed external to PAY (in other community organizations).

Asset Building Program is made available in partnership with SEED Winnipeg and the United Way. Youth save $250 matched up to $750 for six months toward a predetermined asset. They also receive instruction in money management once a week for 10 weeks.