Youth Development Initiative
The Youth Development Initiative (YDI) is a program funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services. YDI focuses on providing culturally focused and safe programs to support Indigenous youth in Nova Scotia. The program aims to facilitate their transition into the workforce, enhance their cultural knowledge, and develop essential life skills.
Staff Information
Melissa McNutt, Social Youth & YDI Coordinator
- Email: ncnsydi@ncns.ca
- Phone: (902) 895-1738
Eligibility
The program is open to Indigenous youth between the ages of 12 to 20 years old, whether they live on or off-reserve in Nova Scotia.
Taylor Morrow, Youth Outreach Worker – Dartmouth Region
- Email: ncnsyouth@ncns.ca
- Office: (902) 405-4730
- Cell: (902) 233-9528
Program and Services
Under the umbrella of the Youth Outreach Program (YOP), the YDI offers a range of services tailored to Indigenous youth, including:
- Drop-In Services/Youth Group Nights
- Crisis Intervention & Referral Services
- Access to Cultural and Recreational Activities
- Individual, Group, or Family Support
- Employment & Education Support/Pre-Employment Interventions
- Paid Work Placement Opportunities/Summer Jobs
- Summer Camps/Winter Youth Retreat
- Wrap Around Support for Employment Opportunities
- Driver’s Education Training
- Certificate Training
- Indigenous Youth Community Grants Program
Susan Stoney, Youth Outreach Worker – Coldbrook Region
- Email: youthvalley@ncns.ca
- Office: (902) 679-7577
- Phone: (902) 321-8941
Chris Higgins, Youth Outreach Worker – Sydney Region
- Email: cbyouth@ncns.ca
- Phone: (902) 567-1240
- Cell: (902) 577-5843
Taylor Sylvia, YDI Contracts Officer/ Youth Administrative Support
- Email: youthadmin@ncns.ca
- Phone: (902) 895-1738
- Cell: (902) 957-5505
