“I Didn’t Think University Was Possible”—How One Program Changed Everything

Sometimes, all it takes is the right support at the right time to change the direction of a life.

For many young people navigating the transition into adulthood—especially those who have experienced barriers, instability, or disconnection—the path forward can feel uncertain and overwhelming. Programs like the Youth Employment Mentorship Program (YEMP) were created to meet young people in that space, providing the guidance, skills, and encouragement needed to move forward with confidence.

Amy Worth, Program Manager of RISE (formally the Youth Employment Mentorship Program - YEMP) sat down to catch up with Aiden* a former youth client.

(*Name changed).

"Before YEMP, I was unemployed, had finished high school the year before, and felt really overwhelmed about what I wanted to do with my life and who I wanted to become. As a youth who was in care, I faced a lot of challenges and lacked confidence in myself and my future. A counselor at Cowichan Valley Youth Services connected me to the Youth Employment Mentorship Program (YEMP), and it ended up changing the direction of my life. 

"Through YEMP, I gained confidence, independence, and foundational life and employment skills. The program helped me learn how to advocate for myself, navigate adulthood, and believe that I was capable of building a future for myself. During the program, I was able to secure employment at a job that I still work at today and genuinely enjoy.

"Going through YEMP also gave me the confidence to pursue post-secondary education. Before the program, I never believed I was capable of applying for university. Because of my own personal experiences, I had always felt drawn toward the mental health field, and YEMP helped me realize that I could turn that passion into a career.

"I applied to Vancouver Island University and recently completed my Community Mental Health Support Worker Certificate. During my studies, I also completed 240 hours of practicum experience with Island Health, gaining hands-on experience supporting individuals in the field.

"Today, I am actively seeking employment within the community mental health sector, working toward obtaining my driver’s licence, and exploring the possibility of returning to university in the future to pursue a degree in Social Work.

"YEMP gave me the confidence, support, and foundation to believe in myself and pursue goals that once felt impossible."

Stories like this show what becomes possible when young people are supported with consistency, trust, and opportunity.

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From YEMP to RISE

While YEMP supported hundreds of youth over two decades, increasing need and shifting realities for young people led to the development of a new program: RISE (Resilience, Independence, Skills & Empowerment).

RISE builds on the foundation of YEMP, expanding support beyond employment to address the full range of challenges youth face today—including housing instability, mental health, food security, and access to education. Through long-term, relationship-based support, RISE continues this work—meeting youth where they are and walking alongside them as they build stable, independent futures.

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