Four years ago, we made the decision to reposition Street Culture Project with a renewed vision, mission, and direction—one that places integrity, accountability, and the well-being of youth at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment is to create safe, supportive environments where youth can grow, and thrive, while also ensuring that our internal structures reflect those same values.

Since then, we have worked hard to ensure that every system, process, and program within SCP reflects this commitment. From strengthening our leadership team to expanding mental health resources and improving staff support, every step we have taken has been with the goal of creating a stronger, safer, and more effective organization for the youth we serve.

Here’s a look at some of the key changes we’ve made over the past four years:

New Vision & Direction

Since 2021, SCP has undergone a significant organizational transformation—redefining our identity and vision to expand our impact.

• Developed a New Organizational Mission, Vision & Values — ensuring alignment with our purpose and community impact. Our new mission is to create safe spaces for youth.
• Established a New Board of Directors — bringing fresh vision, accountability, and leadership to guide the organization forward.
• Appointed a New CEO — providing strong, stable leadership and a renewed focus on mission and impact.
• Rebuilt the Leadership Team — built a new leadership team and structure to support employee experience and quality care for youth.

A Culture of Support

We believe that creating safe, supported environments for staff is essential to building the same for the young people we serve. To ensure our teams feel safe, valued, and well-supported, we have implemented the following changes:

• Launched Coffee Corner Gatherings — monthly opportunities to connect, recognize employees, and build community.
• Created the Role of Employee Experience Director — dedicated to supporting staff well-being and advocacy, ensuring all team members have a trusted support outside of their direct program to turn to as needed.
• Established a dedicated People & Culture Team — growing our Human Resources team from one staff member to five.
• Introduced a Staff Appreciation Program — fostering a positive, supportive, and connected workplace culture.
• Launched a Weekly Stress Reduction Program — offering staff connection, stress management tools, and burnout prevention strategies.
• Introduced Psychological Safety & Employee Experience Surveys — to better understand staff needs and improve workplace well-being.

People and Culture

Since 2021, we have introduced several initiatives to strengthen staff well-being, training, and sustainability:

• Implemented a Monthly Anonymous Staff Feedback Survey — allowing employees to share feedback and track how supported they feel by their supervisors.
• Established a formal Onboarding Training Process — ensuring new staff receive essential training and information before beginning their roles.
• Created an Anonymous Complaint Submission Process — giving staff a safe and confidential way to express concerns.
• Formed an Employment Sustainability Committee — to ensure fair and equitable decision-making around employment matters, including terminations.
• Developed Professional Development Plans — emphasizing safe work environments, team culture, personal growth, and ongoing staff success.
• Created an Equitable System for Employee Access to Transportation and Fuel — reducing barriers for staff travel and access.
• Implemented Leadership Training — to foster strong, informed leadership at every level.

Strengthening Our Internal Processes

To increase transparency, efficiency, and accountability, we made strategic changes to our internal systems:

• Hired a Community Engagement & Fundraising Role — to increase community connections and diversify funding sources.
• Contracted Third-Party Finance & CFO Services (Corner Office) — ensuring financial transparency and best practices.
• Introduced a Receipt Tracking System — improving expense management and financial accountability.
• Simplified key administrative processes by consolidating three staff platforms into one — making payroll, personnel files, and scheduling easier and more efficient.

Youth Safety & Support

We’ve made significant investments in processes and practices that prioritize the safety, well-being, and voice of the youth we serve.

• Implemented Risk Assessments and Nightly Room Checks in all housing and shelter programs to help keep youth safe.
• Staffed full-time overnight roles in peer homes — advocated for funding to gain overnight supervision and support to increase safety and support overnight for youth.
• Introduced a Youth Representative Role — providing youth with a confidential, trusted point of contact outside their program if they have concerns, feedback, or need additional support.
• Added an Evening & Weekend Supervisor — ensuring crisis support and leadership coverage beyond regular business hours.
• Created Extra Staffing Manager Positions — dedicated to supporting front-line staff and maintaining adequate coverage to keep both staff and youth safe.
• Added Full-Time Overnight Supervisors in Peer Homes & Shelter — prioritized youth safety and staff support by ensuring dedicated overnight coverage in all peer homes.
• Conducted Youth Round-Ups and Feedback Sessions — gathering input directly from youth to better understand and improve their experience.
• Created an Anonymous Youth Feedback Survey — allowing youth to share their experiences and concerns confidentially.
• Provided In-House Trauma-Informed Care Training — ensuring all staff are equipped with the knowledge to support youth effectively.
• Offered ongoing Harm Reduction Training — supporting staff in their ability to provide informed, compassionate care.

Ongoing Youth Feedback & Quality Assurance

To ensure we are always improving, listening, and learning from the youth we serve, we’ve embedded regular feedback and quality assurance processes:

• Introduced Youth Check-Ins — questionnaires completed by youth before and after receiving services, to gather feedback on their experience.
• Conduct Quarterly Youth Experience Reviews — leadership review youth feedback quarterly and develops strategies for ongoing improvement.
• Implemented a Quality Assurance Process — including monthly oversight logs and quarterly strategy sessions to enhance the quality of service delivery.

Mental Health & Wellness Support

Recognizing the critical connection between mental health and overall well-being, SCP introduced new supports and partnerships to better serve both youth and staff:

• Added Two Mental Health & Substance Use Consultants — working directly out of the shelter to provide support, intervention, and connection to services. (Thanks to the support of Sask. Health Authority)
• Implemented the Nurtured Heart Approach — a strength-based framework focused on recognizing, celebrating, and nurturing the strengths and potential of each youth.
• Developed Holistic Case Management Plans — ensuring holistic and individualized support plans for each youth maximize support for their success.
• Strengthened partnerships with the SHA’s Community Recovery Team and Ministry of Social Services — increasing capacity to assess risk, connect youth to mental health resources, and support overall youth safety.

Cultural Connection

We don’t just see culture as an add-on—it’s a foundation. When youth feel seen, respected, and connected to their culture, they are more likely to thrive, build healthy relationships, and envision a hopeful future. As such we have been working on expanding our cultural support and programming, despite a lack of funding for it.

• Launched a Cultural Program and 1:1 Cultural Support — providing Indigenous youth with individualized cultural connections and programming.
• Expanded Cultural Programming — increasing the number of cultural activities, connection and support. In 2024 alone we provided 53 cultural activities in which 199 youth attended.
• Implemented Staff Cultural Training — ensuring all team members have the knowledge and understanding to provide culturally informed, relevant support to youth.

Food Security Support

We understand that food insecurity can be a barrier to safety, well-being, and progress.

• Established a Food Security Program — providing access to food supports for both youth and staff experiencing food insecurity.

Moving Forward

As we continue to grow, our commitment remains the same: to be what youth need to survive and thrive. Every change we have made has been guided by this mission, and we will continue listening, learning, and evolving to serve youth in the best way possible.

We are proud of the progress we’ve made over the last four years, but we know that there is always more work to do. By strengthening our internal systems, investing in our team, and prioritizing youth safety and well-being, we are building a stronger future—together.