Oasis Youth Care: Siv’s Story

A lifelong support system, rooted in sustainability and hope

By: Siv*

I am deeply grateful that a resource, a home, and a community that completely changed my life may now become accessible to others who are still searching for stability.

Before Oasis, I was lost. At the time, I would never have admitted it, but I was angry and constantly making a mess of my life. I was involved in petty crime and, by my own definition, had become a menace to society. I was on the verge of homelessness when my youth probation officer first told me about Oasis while helping me search for shelter.

When I arrived at Oasis, I was working two full-time jobs. Despite that, I could not keep any of the money I earned. I was heavily reliant on drugs and alcohol just to get through each day, and stability felt completely out of reach.

At Oasis, I found something I had never experienced before: community. I was supported and guided by an incredible team, including Grace, Hamda, and Shem. Together, we tried many different paths toward stability. We explored new career options, education opportunities, and the process of building healthy routines. None of these attempts worked at first, because there was a deeper issue I had never acknowledged.

Being surrounded by consistent support gave me the courage to face that reality. With the encouragement of Oasis and my support team, I entered addiction treatment at Portage Ontario. I was away from the residence for about a year, but Oasis remained a constant presence in my life throughout that time. There were moments when I wanted to leave treatment, and during those moments I had Grace to lean on. While other youth relied on their families, Oasis was mine. Grace was the person I spoke to on phone calls, the one who drove to see me, took me to church or out for meals, and helped me plan what life after treatment could look like.

Today, I am proud to say that I have been sober for three years. I completed treatment two years ago, rebuilt my relationship with my family, and now live in Milton with my parents. I remain connected to Oasis Youth Care and still stop by to check in with the other youth. The mentor I was matched with during my journey remains my mentor today, helping me find the courage to continue making the right decisions.

Oasis Youth Care is not just a program. It is a lifelong support system. It is an open door. Grace and the team will stop at nothing to support me, and everyone else Oasis has walked alongside. Because of Oasis, my life changed. And I believe deeply in the impact this work can have on others who are still searching for stability and hope.

 About Oasis Youth Care: A Community of Care, Support, and Shared Responsibility

Oasis Youth Care exists to ensure that every young person has more than a bed to sleep in—they have a future to wake up to. Through housing, mentorship, and life-skills development, Oasis supports youth experiencing homelessness as they move toward stability and independence. Their work is informed by the internationally recognized Foyer Model and delivered through trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. By centering trusted relationships and community collaboration, Oasis creates sustainable pathways from homelessness to long-term independence. Contact: info@oasisyouthcare.com; www.oasisyouthcare.org

*Name changed to protect the author’s identity.

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This post is part of a larger CDH Member Story Project. The intent is to share the depth of our non-profit sector, name how community can support and imagine together what is possible through the non-profit sector to ensure Halton is a health, inclusive and resilient place to live. 

Are you a CDH member and want to let your story to the project. You can get started HERE.