Leo Street Youth and Family Services. In everything we do, we let people know: they belong here. We see them. We accept them. We welcome them. We listen. We respect their stories. As they begin to know they belong here, we support them. Nurture them. Encourage them. Only from a place of belonging can change begin.
What we do
Leo Street is a welcoming, safe place where children, youth, and families find belonging. Whether strengthening family bonds, supporting youth in crisis, supporting young parents, or providing a safe place to live, Leo Street offers respect, trust, and a caring community.
LEARN MOREWhat we do
Outlook
Innovative community youth services for vulnerable & high-risk youthAbout
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.
Smile
A safe, inclusive environment where young parents can thriveAbout
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.
Family Development
Supports that build the foundation for strong familyAbout
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.
Child and Youth Access
Mental Health Support for Young PeopleAbout
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)
Specialized Homes and Support Services
Helping Young Lives Find Their WayAbout
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.
Belonging
What people we serve say“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
Who we are
Leo Street is a not-for-profit organization that has grown from within our community to serve nearly 500 children, youth, and families each year in Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Delta, and Langley.
LEARN MOREHonouring Truth. Fostering Reconciliation. In our work, we see what colonization has done to too many generations of Indigenous children and youth, and their families. By listening and being present, we will honour and keep safe the stories and truth of those we serve. In doing so, we will find the strength to help bring to life the real spirit of truth and reconciliation in all we do.
Who we are
History
Innovative community services since 1967Over the years, Leo Street has evolved and grown in the community. Today, it is a secular organization providing services for young people and their families. What has remained constant in all these years is that for those we serve, Leo Street is a place where people are accepted as they are, welcomed in, and treated with respect. It is a place for young people to recover a sense of belonging so that they might thrive.
Priorities
How we provide value to our community“Someone should do something for those kids.”
We will do something.
“Why is no one there for them?”
We will be there.
“What do they really need?”
We will offer what they need: a place of belonging.
With our clients, our staff, our partners, and our community, we succeed when they know that they are all included, valued, and empowered. As an organization, our responsibility is to maintain the highest professional standards and an openness to learning and innovating. By meeting the needs of the people we are here to serve, we believe LEO STREET makes our community stronger and more connected.
Leadership
Meet our Executive team
Renata Aebi
CEO
Alison Grauer
Director of Child, Youth and Family Services
Pat Rogers
Director of Specialized Homes and Support Services
Diane Robitaille
Executive Assistant
Tom Wangari
Manager of Admin
Jennifer Hanrahan
Senior Director of Operations, Practice & Standards
Sijing Xu
Director of Finance
Harleen Sidhu
People and Culture Manager
Board of Directors
Meet our Board
Marion Clauson
President
Deborah Hutchings
Vice President
Glenn Gardner
Recording Secretary
KP Aujlay
Treasurer
Cathy Ebbehoj
Director
Code of Ethics
Our promise of integrityAt Leo Street Youth and Family Services, every team member—from staff to volunteers—upholds our Code of Ethics. We pledge to serve with integrity, respect diverse cultures and identities, and prioritize the welfare and confidentiality of those we support.
- I will fulfill my obligations and responsibilities to children, youth and families with integrity.
- I will act in a respectful, conscientious, diligent and efficient manner.
- I will ensure to the best of my ability that children, youth and family members participate in decisions that affect them.
- I will respect the unique differences in culture, religion, sexual preferences, and race of a child, youth or family member.
- I will respect the confidentiality of children, youth and family. I will disclose information only when legally or professionally obligated to do so if properly authorized.
- I will respect the intrinsic worth of each child, youth and family member.
- I will ensure that any outside interests do not jeopardize my professional judgement, independence or competence.
- I will act to promote excellence in the child, youth, and family service profession.
Accountability
Taking ownership of our responsibilitiesSince our founding in 1967, we have maintained an excellent reputation in part by our commitment to openness, transparency, and full public accountability. Our Code of Ethics, Annual Reports, Grievance and Complaint Procedures, and stringent Privacy Policies are all rooted in our deep respect for those we serve and the communities in which we work.
Annual Reports
Explore our community impactPlease click on the links below to read our Annual Reports:
2023/2024 Annual Report
2022/2023 Annual Report
2021/2022 Annual Report
2020/2021 Annual Report
2019/2020 Annual Report
2017/2018 Annual Report
2016/2017 Annual Report
2015/2016 Annual Report
2014/2015 Annual Report
2013/2014 Annual Report
CARF Accredited
LEO STREET holds a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). This means that we have met CARF’s rigorous guidelines for service and quality and that our services adhere to internationally recognized standards of excellence. Please visit the CARF website for more information.
Grievances
Grievances/Complaints PolicyClients and family members can freely express concerns about staff treatment, program rules, and their rights without fear of retribution. This includes voicing grievances directly to positions from Program Supervisors to the CEO. Everyone’s perspective is valued, and all concerns are considered with utmost seriousness to ensure fair and respectful resolution.
Privacy
Privacy StatementThe confidentiality of client information, of any kind and in any form, must be ensured. Confidentiality of this information is held in compliance with the Personal Information and Protection Act (British Columbia) and the Freedom of Information and Protection and Protection of Privacy Act (Canada). Questions and/or concerns regarding privacy and confidentiality can be directed to our Privacy Officer at privacyofficer@stleo.ca.
Honouring Truth. Fostering Reconciliation. In our work, we see what colonization has done to too many generations of Indigenous children and youth, and their families. By listening and being present, we will honour and keep safe the stories and truth of those we serve. In doing so, we will find the strength to help bring to life the real spirit of truth and reconciliation in all we do.
How we work
We live by shared values of trust, respect, and inclusion, fostering a caring environment for everyone. By supporting those who deliver our services, we ensure the best care for the children, youth, and families we serve.
LEARN MOREWe’re a place of belonging for those who need us
How we work
Approach
Learn about how we work togetherThe 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.
Careers
Build Your Future with UsYou’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
Auxiliary Opportunities
Join Our Youth Support TeamInterested 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.
We’re a place of belonging for those who need us
