About

Shelburne County Youth Health and Support association (SCYHSA)

Mission and Values

SCYHSA's ​mission is to provide services & support to the youth of Shelburne County. We strive to decrease marginalization, discrimination and vulnerability through advocacy and action that promotes equity. SCYHSA supports everyone regardless of ethnicity, culture, creed, skin colour, sexual orientation, gender, country of origin, family situation, socioeconomic status... etc. We are a secular organization with no religious or political affiliations.

We are a non-profit organization. Fundraising, grant seeking and donations are vital to our work. If you know of any possible opportunities for fundraising or grant funding please contact us. We are always excited to create new partnerships within the community!

Code of Ethics

To ensure that SCYHSA meets our mission and values in an equitable way; all volunteers, staff and board members are required to follow and uphold a code of ethics. A code of ethics is to ensure the safety and equity of clients/staff and the sound judgement in all actions undertaken by SCYHSA and associated organizations. SCYHSA follows the Canadian Association of Social Workers code of ethics.

Safe Workplace

Shelburne County Youth & Health Support Association is committed to a safe, healthy, and supportive workplace. We are committed to providing a work environment that values diversity and where all persons are treated with respect and dignity. It is right of all employees to work in an environment free from harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination of any form.


Our House Youth Wellness Centre

About us

Our House Youth Youth Wellness Centre is a proud part of the Shelburne County Youth and Support Association. As a SCYHSA outreach centre we hold the same mission and values.

We strive to offer all of our services/programs FREE of charge (or extremely minimal costs) to make them accessible to all families and youth. Check out our programs, services and outreach services. Those needing financial or other support to access programs are encouraged to contact us.

Our Goals

Our goal is to co-create a relaxing and inclusive space for youth to relax, socialize and access programs/services to help youth in Shelburne County thrive. We work from a harm-reduction model to meet youth where they are and support healthy choices. Our staff aspire to work with youth through culturally appropriate and trauma sensitive approaches and perspectives.


staff

Amy Mackinnon

Executive Director

Email: ed@scyhsa.com


Born and mostly raised in Shelburne County, Amy is proud of her Cape Island roots. After spending time pursuing academic endeavours, she decided to settle her small family back in Barrington some 20 years ago. It was at this time that she accepted her first position as a youth worker at Our House Youth Wellness Centre. Over the past 20 years, she has devoted her career toward working with youth, women, and families and she is deeply passionate about supporting folks of all abilities within the community. Amy recently completed her BEd and brings what she has learned about creating a safe, welcoming and engaging space for youth to the Centre. In her down time you can find Amy happily baking away in the kitchen, spending time with her children or volunteering in her local community.

Melissa Strachan

Sexual Violence Outreach & Prevention Coordinator

Email: melissa@scyhsa.com

Melissa moved from Saskatchewan to Shelburne and lives with her partner and cat. Her education in the visual arts allows her to bring a creative flair to the work she does. She has a passion for supporting the emotional well being of the youth she works with as well as inclusive sexual health education, sexual violence prevention, social change, and challenging the status quo. The drive behind her work comes from a youth-centered approach; “youth have much to teach us, it is a privilege to be part of their stories and the learning never stops!” When she is not at work, Melissa enjoys being in nature, cooking, eating, and making art. Melissa is currently pursuing sexual health educators certification and will be fully certified in 2023. She is excited to share what she is learning with youth and the community.

Our summer students

L-R: Daniel Slack, Josie Hatfield, Kennedy MacDougal & Danielle MacLellan

board of directors

Shelburne County Youth Health and Support Association is managed by a board of directors to ensure our policies, procedures and operation meets the needs of youth, employees and the community. The board is an essential part of maintaining fairness and equity in our work. It is composed of local community members that volunteer their time and skills.

For more information about the board or how to apply you can contact the board via email : board@scyhsa.com