About Us
YES welcomes all members of our diverse youth community.
The Victoria Youth Empowerment Society (VYES) offers services for youth and their family/caregivers throughout the Capital Region.
Our Values
Integrity
We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability. We do what we say we will do and hold ourselves to a high standard in service of youth, families, and community.
Collaboration
We believe meaningful change happens together. We work alongside youth, families, partners, and community to build coordinated, responsive, and connected supports.
Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to creating inclusive spaces where all youth feel seen, valued, and supported. We actively work to reduce barriers and address systemic inequities, so every young person has access to the support they need.
Resourcefulness
We are adaptable, creative, and solutions-focused. We respond to evolving needs and opportunities with flexibility and innovation.
Respect
We honour the dignity, voice, and lived experience of every young person. We build relationships grounded in trust, empathy, and mutual understanding.
Safety
We prioritize physical, emotional, and cultural safety in all that we do. We create environments where youth feel secure, supported, and able to grow and move forward.
Vision
Every young person has the skills and support to shape their future and move confidently into adulthood.
Mission
VYES provides responsive, individualized support to youth and their families, walking alongside them to build safety, stability, and connection while strengthening well-being and independence.
Annual Report
At VYES, transparency, accountability, and forward-thinking leadership guide our work with vulnerable youth. Our Annual Report highlights the impact of our programs, the voices of the youth we support, and the partnerships that make our work possible.
Strategic Plan
Our Strategic Plan outlines our vision, goals, and priorities as we continue to adapt and grow in response to the evolving needs of youth in our community. We invite you to explore these documents to learn more about our progress and our path forward.
Our Story
In October 1992, the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society was created from a merger of the Youth Development Society and Association for Street Kids. Since then, VYES has grown from a small organization to a leader in youth services with 3 sites, multiple programs and more than 80 staff.
While our roots lie in supporting the most vulnerable youth in our city, today VYES offers a full continuum of services, prevention, early intervention, crisis response, and ongoing support for young people, their families, and the broader community. We meet youth where they are and walk alongside them through life’s challenges, offering connection, practical support, and opportunities to build safety, stability, and independence.
Each year, we support over 1,000 youth and families across Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands. From basic needs like meals, clothing, and safe shelter, to life skills, mental health support, and pathways to independence, our work is grounded in relationships, trust, and responsiveness.
We believe the world is better with youth in it, and everything we do is rooted in that belief.