SAY Youth #001

University Prep: Building Skills & Staying Active

Cost: $216.50
Category: Certification, Membership
Timeline: Summer 2026

Youth Description:

This young person has demonstrated incredible resilience while participating in our Host Homes program and working toward their goals despite experiencing housing instability. Through their determination and focus, they have now successfully completed high school and received early acceptance into one of their top university choices for September. They are committed to building a stable and independent future while continuing their education.

Opportunity:

Your funds would support their transition into post-secondary education and future employment by funding a First Aid and CPR certification, helping strengthen their resume and improve their chances of securing part-time work. It would also provide a YMCA membership for the summer, allowing them to stay active, participate in community programs, and prepare for potential involvement in university athletics. Together, these supports help remove barriers and create a strong foundation for their next chapter.

SAY Youth #002

Gaining Professional Skills For A Future In Social Work

Cost: $864
Category: Certifications, Training
Timeline: Summer 2026

Youth Description:

This young person has shown a strong commitment to both their education and their community. After being accepted into a Bachelor of Social Work program beginning in September 2026, they have continued to build on their passion for helping others by volunteering with a local organization and gaining hands-on experience. Their lived experiences have inspired a clear and meaningful career path focused on supporting others.

Opportunity:

In sponsoring this youth, you would provide access to three professional certifications—Mental Health First Aid, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), and DVPS (De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations)—helping them build practical skills aligned with their future career in social work. These certifications will strengthen their employment prospects over the summer while also equipping them with valuable tools to support others safely and effectively. This investment directly supports their growth as they prepare to begin their post-secondary journey.

Learn More About SAY

What is SAY?

At oneROOF Youth Services, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to move forward—toward stability, independence, and a future they’re proud of.

SAY (Sponsor A Youth) is a unique giving initiative that connects donors directly to meaningful, real-life opportunities for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Instead of general donations, SAY allows you to fund a specific goal for a specific young person—creating immediate, tangible impact.

What You’re Supporting:

SAY removed bariers by supporting practical, achievable steps that can change the course of a young person’s life.

• Job training or certification programs

• Course or exam fees

• Workplace essentials (like uniforms or PPE)

• Transportation to employment or training

• Tools or materials needed to start working

How It Works:

1. Youth Are Nominated: Our frontline staff identify youth who are ready to take the next step and would benefit from short-term financial support.

2. Opportunities Are Shared: Approved opportunities are posted anonymously above, outlining the goal and funding needed.

3. You Choose Who to Support: Browse available opportunities and sponsor one that resonates with you.

4. We Make It Happen: Our team ensures funds are used exactly as intended—purchasing the course, equipment, or training directly.

5. You See the Impact: We share updates so you can see the difference your support has made.

SAY vs. General Donations

Sponsor A Youth: Directly fund a specific opportunity for a young person. Support here is tied to a clear, achievable goal that you’re one-time donation makes possible.

General Donations: Provide flexible funding that supports the broader needs of youth across our programs, allowing us to respond urgent and important needs as they arise.

Both make a difference! SAY creates targeted impact, while general donations help us continue our day-to-day work.

Follow Up: Seeing The Impact

When you sponsor a youth, you’ll receive an update on the opportunity your support helped make possible. From completing a certification to starting a new job or reaching a personal milestone, you can see how your contribution helped create real change in a young person’s journey.

Privacy & Care

All youth identities are kept completely anonymous.
Each opportunity is carefully reviewed by our team to ensure it is:

• Realistic and achievable within a short timeframe

• Directly tied to a positive outcome

• Meaningful to the youth’s personal goals