The 1980s: YSB was our life

Young, enthusiastic staff, eager to make a difference in the lives of youth and their families, were the face of the Bureau in the 1980s. For many of us, YSB was our life.

Increased professionalism became our main focus. We had a hunger for knowledge, seeking clinical training to enhance our success.

Expansion of services was endless. Our community awareness increased, and we placed staff in community resource centres in targeted low-income areas. YSB emerged as a leader in client-centred youth work.

Staff began to advocate for youth to have a voice in how we designed and delivered services. The first youth was elected to the Board in April 1989. Feminist and structural ideology began to emerge, and we created services focused on the unique needs of young women, recognizing violence against women and high rates of sexual abuse. Prostitution and AIDS outreach became a priority.

YSB was making a difference and we knew it...we observed and experienced it each and every day. We began to measure our success, proving our impact to funders. We paved the way for the next decade.

Ruth Dulmage has worked at YSB for 29 years and is one of its longest serving employees. She is YSB’s Long-term Housing Coordinator.