Durham Youth Services

Shannon Jackson, Executive Director

Lyndsey Jackson, Youth Reconnect Worker

They will be sharing how our grant has impacted the lives of youth who would have otherwise been homeless. Lyndsey will also share her story of how Durham Youth Services changed the course of her life.

Guest of Bobby McBride

For a bio/presentation summary

After a 30-year career in Human Resources, Shannon joined Durham Youth Services as their Executive Director, drawn to the agency by its mission. She is inspired daily by the strength and resilience of DYS clients, and by the passion and tenacity of the team.

Lindsey Jackson, having lived experience as a DYS client, pursued her education in the social service sector before joining DYS as an employee. Rapidly ascending in her career (2 promotions in 2 years!), Lindsey uses her education and experience to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

DYS partners with youth to achieve and maintain lasting solutions to their housing crisis. While they continue to operate Joanne’s House, Durham’s only youth-focused emergency shelter, DYS recognized that to achieve their vision of ending youth homelessness in Durham Region, they needed to do more than just provide safe shelter. DYS now offers wrap-around supports in youth homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, and housing stabilization. On May 8, Shannon and Lindsey will share how the Rotary Club Whitby Sunrise generous donation is being used directly to support ending the cycle of homelessness for 15 young people who are transitioning from homelessness to housing by creating a space where they feel “finally home”.