LEO Street

About

What The Outlook program helps high-risk youth grow a sense of connection to other people, their families, and their communities.
Why When young people have a sense of belonging, and feel they are a valued part of their families and communities, they gain confidence and self-esteem and learn to improve their life and social skills. They will grow to make better, healthier choices.
How By nurturing stronger bonds to the people in their lives and to their communities, we create a network of support for each of them. We work with them as individuals, respond to their unique needs, and recognize their individual strengths. We also rely on community and business partners to help strengthen their sense of belonging.

Services offered

• Family support and strengthening
• Youth development & outreach
• Outlook Learning Pathways Program
• Outreach to sexually-exploited youth
• Youth justice

How to participate

The Outlook Program is open to youth and families in Burnaby by referral only. Referrals to the program are accepted from the Ministry of Children and Family Development and may also come from community partners.

Funded by

Funding for this program is provided by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

About

What The SMILE program offers a welcoming space that helps young mothers and fathers (under age 26) develop confidence in their parenting abilities to become a good parent in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Why Young parents need support and education to help them have a healthy pregnancy, to prepare them for childbirth, and to raise their child (or children). Parenting can be overwhelming for younger parents, and especially for those who don’t have a strong family and community support network.

How SMILE offers them a place to build on their personal strengths, and to develop their skills and confidence as parents. It also helps connect them to services and programs in the community that will be there to help them and their new family.

Services Offered

• Parenting education & workshops
• Assistance and advocacy to help parents access support
• Prenatal workshops and perinatal sessions
• Connections and referrals to other community resources
• A place to connect with other young parents

How to participate

Please contact us at smile@stleo.ca or telephone 604-298-6245 for more information. Participants must live in Burnaby or New Westminster and be under 26 years of age.

Funded by

Funding for this program is provided by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

About

What The Family Development program supports families to build on their own strengths and to create a solid foundation for healthier, stronger families. We provide various options depending on need : such as family support workers, supervised visits, and individual and family counselling.

Why Today’s families face many challenges. As people deal with events in their lives, having a sense of belonging to a healthy and supportive family encourages healthy growth, both emotionally and physically. Strong families are the foundation for strong communities.

How Family Development focuses on strengthening family and individual relationships. We begin by helping each family determine its strengths and direction. We then support them in building positive and healthy interactions between family members. This helps families make practical and lasting change that restores a sense of belonging within the family.

How to participate

The Family Development Program is open to families in Burnaby and New Westminster by referral only. Referrals to the program are accepted from the Ministry of Children and Family Development teams in Burnaby and New Westminster.

Funded by

Funding for this program is provided by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

About

The Child and Youth Access program supports children, youth, and families facing mental health, behavioral, psychological, and emotional challenges. It provides timely, effective assistance while respecting participants’ independence and self-determination.

Our board-certified counsellors offer

• Individual and family counselling
• Consultation with parents, caregivers and professionals
• Group workshops

How to participate

Referrals accepted from CYMH (Child & Youth Mental Health) and SD41 (Burnaby School District)

About

What Leo Street Specialized Homes provides a safe, stable, home-like environment for children and youth ages 5–18 in crisis or transition. Our approach emphasizes safety, stability, and personal growth through specialized, trauma-informed, child and youth-centered environments.

Why For young people at risk, the absence of a safe and stable place to live can create significant barriers to accessing support services or achieving positive, lasting change. Every child and youth deserves the opportunity to heal in a secure environment, rebuild trust, and develop self-worth and resilience. These foundational elements foster healthy connections and empower youth to create a path toward a brighter future.

How Our approach is guided by core principles:

• Trauma-Informed Care: Sensitivity to the experiences of those we serve is paramount.
• Client-Centered Services: We tailor our care to meet every individual’s unique needs and goals.
• Cultural Sensitivity: We honor and respect the diverse backgrounds of all clients.
• Harm Reduction: We focus on minimizing risks while supporting well-being and safety.
• Circle of Care: We foster attachment and belonging by creating an environment that welcomes and engages the child or youth’s entire circle of care, including family, community, and professionals.

Programs Offered

1. Emergency Care (Emergency Receiving and Assessment)

• Purpose: Short-term stays (up to 3 months) designed for immediate safety and stabilization of children and youth who cannot live safely at home or have no other care arrangements available. This program often supports youth transitioning from other placements or experiencing homelessness.
• Approach: Trauma-informed, client-centered, and goal-focused, with regular planning meetings and active youth involvement in care plans.

2. Specialized Long-Term Care

• Purpose: Provides a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for children and youth requiring intensive supervision and support (up to 1 year).
• Approach: Individualized care planning, collaboration with professionals, and opportunities for building positive relationships through education and recreation.

3. Low-Barrier Short-Term Stabilization Care

• Purpose: Offers a safe, home-like placement for 3–9 months to children and youth experiencing crises or disruptions in their living environment, with the ultimate goal of stabilization and reunification.
• Approach: Focused on crisis mitigation and healing through a trauma-informed, harm-reduction lens, while providing culturally safe, individualized support to prepare children for a successful return to their long-term placement.

4. Youth Emergency Shelter (YES)

• Purpose: Provides immediate support for youth (ages 15–18) who are homeless or unsafe in their current situation.
• Components:
  • Emergency Shelter: 24/7 access to short-term stays with professional support.
  • Outreach Support: Building relationships and helping youth connect to community-based resources.
  • Day Program & Drop-In Groups: Facilitated activities that help youth develop life skills, ensure safety, and foster healthy relationships.

How to participate

The YES Program is self-referral and any youth can refer themselves.
Long Term, Short Term Stabilization and Emergency Beds are by MCFD referral only.

Funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

“Thank you for being by my side during this time. When I came here, I was worried I did not have a place. I thank you for all your support in my new beginning.” Former Youth

“This service made me feel that I am not alone… This service was provided by a person who is a mom herself and understood the situation of a mother.” Parent

“I’ve got someone to talk to, it’s nice having someone outside of my toxic household. I got the chance to express my struggles and feelings.” Youth

“The Y.E.S. Outreach Program has had a positive influence on my life, even though I’ve only known them for a short time. They’ve helped me rediscover parts of myself that I thought were lost; my confidence, my sense of humour, and the ability to connect with others. Before meeting them, I rarely left the house, but they’ve given me the courage to step outside, meet new people, and enjoy safe, fun places to hang out. Every time I spend time with the Y.E.S. staff, it feels like the highlight of my year. Their kindness and genuine care are something rare. They welcomed me with open arms, making me feel seen, appreciated, and like I truly belong. In Girls Group, they’ve shared valuable life lessons, helped me build a resume for job hunting, and supported me in figuring out my next steps; like preparing for college.I can’t express enough how grateful I am for everything the Y.E.S. team has done for me. They are the change we need in our community, and I hope they continue to inspire and uplift others the way they’ve done for me.” Former Youth

“I have been very pleased with the quality of care provided. Staff are kind, professional, skilled in working with youth, and have addressed and managed crises and challenges effectively. We are very grateful for their care and support for our son with complex needs. Staff have been extremely responsive, caring, and collaborative. The cultural aspect is less relevant to our situation, but staff have addressed mental health and substance use in a kind and non-stigmatizing manner. Communication, response time, and updates have been excellent. Reports have been detailed and timely.” Parent

The strength of our team is that, in all our relationships, our values are constant. How we treat each other is how we treat the people we serve, our partners and the communities in which we work.

We listen. We are present. We make room.
We accept one another as we are.
We care for one another. We support one another.

We create a safe place for our people to belong, feel nurtured, and thrive.

Our work may be challenging at times, but because our mission aligns with our personal values, every day can bring rewards.

You’re looking for a supportive, nurturing workplace that values your experience, creativity, and ability to find solutions. If you believe in belonging and making a difference, you’ll find a meaningful career here.

You Belong Here

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Interested in flexible, hourly roles supporting youth in crisis? Join to work in 24-hour emergency homes. Be part of a team that provides care, stability, and guidance for young people in transition.

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