U-Turn is a semi-independent home for youth aged 15-19, providing a stable living environment and training for employability and independent living. Youth experience independent living opportunities by becoming familiar with and filling in tenancy forms, being responsible for their own room and belongings, caring for facility and household chores, planning and preparing a portion of their own meals, experience personal development activities and workshops – all while enjoying the chance to figure out your own freedoms, responsibilities and opportunities.
Youth live on the lower floor, with House Parents residing on the main floor. The basement has a shared washroom, a common living room and kitchenette. Each room has simple furnishings like a bed and dresser.
Meals – The house parents will provide a supper during the week. (Monday – Friday). Breakfast and lunches plus suppers on the weekend are the tenants’ responsibility to prepare. A fridge, sink, microwave and plenty of food can be found in the common living room so the tenant(s) can prepare their own meals.
Personal Development Plan (PDP) and Workshops – Personal Development Plan and Goal setting is exactly as what it sounds like. Everyone at one point of time or another would like to better him or herself in one way or another. Everyone has practical goals like getting a job, graduating, getting a drivers license, or wanting to learn how to cook. We would like to assist you with that. We would also like to go one step further and help you with others goals that are more in-depth to your personal needs like relationships, self-esteem and healing of the heart. (See handout for more information)
Applications – A potential tenant needs to apply for staying at one of the U-Turn houses. Once we have met with you and received your application, we will let you know if you get to be part of U-Turn.
Who Runs U-Turn? – U-Turn is operated by Youth for Christ Steinbach (YFC). YFC and other groups (such as Child and Family Services. CEYS, Justice etc.) all care about U-Turn tenants, but it is YFC alone who accepts or refuses applications and oversees the operation of the houses.
Requirements for Living at U-Turn
U-Turn tenants are required to pay rent for their placement within the U-Turn Program.
U-Turn tenants are required to commit to one of the following 4 options:
- To be attending full-time classes.
- To be attending part-time classes and maintain a part-time job.
- To maintain a full-time job.
- To be actively looking for work (8-5 Monday through Friday)
U-Turn tenants are required to provide proof of their school or job activity.
