About YSB

Professionals Delivering Programs for Youth

Founded in 1960, the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB) is one of the largest and most comprehensive non‑profit agencies serving youth in this community. More than 350 caring professionals work from 20 locations across the city to deliver a vast range of programs and services that support at‑risk youth and their families.

YSB is a registered charity (#10822 8545 RR0001). We receive funding from the Province of Ontario, the City of Ottawa, the United Way, and generous private donors. In 2010, our annual operating budget was over $24 million. Extremely efficient, we spend just 9.5% of our budget on administration, leaving the remaining 90.5% for program delivery.

Our Strategic Priorities

Strategic PlanThe purpose of the YSB Strategic Plan is to provide a 3-year roadmap to strengthen our capacity as an exceptional leader and partner in responding to the needs of youth and families in our community. Click here to read the full document.

RESOURCES AND CAREERS

media-kit

With more than 60 years of supporting youth in the Ottawa area, YSB is valued for its expertise in the areas of homelessness, housing, mental health, youth justice, employment, health, diversity, and youth engagement.

Youth Services Jeunesse Library

Get access to resources developed specifically for the YSB community.

Youth Services Jeunesse Careers

At YSB we offer you the opportunity to play a meaningful role in creating lasting, positive change in young people’s lives, as well in the lives of their families and communities.

Youth Services Jeunesse Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions by our community.

Our Vision: IMPACT TOMORROW TODAY

Our mission

We are committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental and accessible environment where individuals 12 years and older can pursue their life goals and be encouraged in making informed decisions.

Our mandate

YSB is a multi-service agency that provides services in French and English in employment, health and housing, mental health, youth engagement and youth justice. We work in partnership to develop, deliver and advocate for better conditions, services and opportunities for youth and families.

Through our services we:

  • Value our clients’ strengths
  • Believe in empowering youth and families
  • Value diversity
  • Believe in making our services accessible
  • Value accountability for our clients & ourselves
  • Believe in meaningful youth engagement as core to our practice
  • Value the continuous review of the quality of our work
  • Believe in collaboration

Our Blog

Young tenant

Safe Housing for Youth: Understanding Your Options and Rights

For many young people, safe and stable housing can be a significant challenge, especially for those experiencing homelessness or living in unsafe environments. In Ottawa, housing insecurity continues to affect youth, but knowing your options and understanding your rights can help you navigate these challenges. At the Youth Services Bureau (YSB), we’re committed to supporting […]

nina-gorka

YSB is pleased to welcome its new CEO, Nina Gorka

YSB is pleased to welcome its new CEO, Nina Gorka            The Board of Directors of the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nina Gorka as CEO. Effective November 4, 2024, Ms. Gorka will take over from YSB’s interim CEO, Michel Guilbeault. Ms. Gorka brings more than 20 years […]

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Break the stigma: empowering youth mental health and finding support

Break the stigma: empowering youth mental health and finding support Mental health is critical to everyone’s well-being, especially young people navigating the complexities of growing up. Yet, many youth face significant mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and stress. According to data from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), about 20% of Canadian youth suffer […]

Board of Directors

YSB’s Board of Directors is the governing body of the organization. Its role is to articulate our mission, set our strategic direction, define our goals, and measure and report on our performance.

YSB Senior Management

  • Nina Gorka
    Nina Gorka CEO

    (She/Her)

  • Michel Guilbeault
    Michel Guilbeault Interim CEO

    (He/Him)

  • Kim Fenn
    Kim Fenn Director of Quality Assurance

    (She/Her)

  • Bob White
    Bob White Director of IT

    (He/Him)

  • Mike Wade Assistant Director, Community Services

    (He/Him)

  • Amber Costello
    Amber Costello Director of Employment Services

    (She/Her)

  • Darren Graham Director of Community Services

    (He/Him)

  • Vanessa Alverado
    Vanessa Alverado Assistant Director, Community Justice

    (She/Her)

  • Josh Torres
    Josh Torres Assistant Director of Programs and Services, Youth Justice

    (He/Him)

  • Ryan McKay DIRECTOR, YOUTH JUSTICE

    (He/Him)

  • Tadiwa Muradzikwa
    Tadiwa Muradzikwa Director of People, Culture, and Belonging

    (He/Him)

  • Bill Fenn
    Bill Fenn Assistant director, Youth Justice

    (He/Him)

  • Bonnie Graham Assistant Director, Mental Health Services

    (She/Her)

  • Patti Murphy
    Patti Murphy Executive Director, YSB Charitable Foundation

    (She/Her)

  • Stacey Lauridsen
    Stacey Lauridsen Assistant Director of Community Services

    (He/Him)

  • Heidi Nichilo
    Heidi Nichilo Director of Mental Health Services

    (She/Her)

  • Rui Medeiros
    Rui Medeiros Assistant Director, Employment Services

    (He/Him)

  • Wes Richardson
    Wes Richardson Director of Finance

    (He/Him)

  • Suzanne Fraser
    Suzanne Fraser Director of Communications

    (She/Her)

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