In Saint John, tackling the complex barriers that young people face requires more than one effort; it requires an ecosystem of support. For years, the connection between the Teen Resource Centre (TRC) and the Saint John Learning Exchange (SJLE) was built informally through shared values, mutual respect, and a common goal of supporting those facing barriers in Saint John. The relationship between the TRC and SJLE began long before any formal partnership was established. In Saint John’s close-knit, non-profit sector, leadership from both organizations stayed connected through a shared understanding of the challenges facing local youth and shared a mutual desire to create a better pathway forward.
Over time, both organizations naturally referred youth to each other, recognizing the unique expertise each team brought to the table. While many youth were successful when they could focus primarily on education and employment goals, those facing more complex challenges often required additional support. The Teen Resource Centre was seeing firsthand how barriers such as housing instability, mental health concerns, addiction, and limited life skills could affect a young person’s ability to succeed. June Breau, Executive Director of the Teen Resource Centre, explains:
“We realized that when our kids could focus, they had success. But many of our youth who access our case management program—which is more high-acuity, many struggle with addictions, mental health, living rough, housing- it’s hard to focus on anything but survival. We needed something that was not a traditional system. ”
A Partnership Built on Trust
In 2017, that shared understanding of youth barriers eventually led to a more formal collaboration between the TRC and SJLE in 2017 through the UYES! program, alongside Housing Alternatives.
Within the program, each organization focused on the barriers they were best equipped to address. The TRC provided youth case management, while SJLE focused on educational and employment opportunities for high-acuity youth.
The success of the UYES! program reinforced the strength of the partnership and established a strong foundation of trust between the two organizations. That trust was built not only through successful outcomes for youth but also through years of open communication between leaders of both organizations. June reflects on this,
“Christina and I have always talked and chatted because the nonprofit world is small… You have to communicate. But then that communication turns into a trusting partnership. Even before we partnered, Christina and I shared a similar mindset about doing something different and totally youth-centred in the community. All of the non-profits have to focus on their own needs and the mission, but we have to look outward to see how we can help others, and see how others can help us.”
Supporting Youth Through the READY Project
When the READY project was introduced, joining the initiative felt like a natural step for the TRC.
Today, through the READY project, the TRC provides case management support for SJLE learners between the ages of 16 and 30. Their work focuses on helping youth navigate barriers that can impact education, employment, and long-term stability.
This support includes:
- Securing identification and SIN numbers
- Opening bank accounts
- Connecting to mental health services and community supports
- Navigating systems and services
- Providing consistent, trusted support
For many learners, having someone reliable to work with them can make a significant difference in their ability to stay engaged and move toward their goals.
Grassroots Organizations Working Together
Both the TRC and SJLE operate as grassroots organizations with a strong understanding of community needs. Their ability to work collaboratively, while respecting each other’s expertise, has been key to the partnership’s success.
Like any long-term collaboration, challenges and “bumps in the road” can happen. However, the strength of the relationship allows both teams to navigate those moments with openness and trust.
“Because the partnership is so well established, those bumps in the road don’t scare either team,” said June.
Leadership from both organizations continue to support one another closely, creating a partnership model that remains flexible, responsive, and youth-focused.
Strengthening Youth Supports in Saint John, Together
As youth needs continue to evolve, partnerships like this play a vital role in creating connected systems of support within the community.
By combining educational/employment opportunities with strong case management and wraparound services, the Teen Resource Centre and the Saint John Learning Exchange are helping youth build confidence, stability, and pathways toward long-term success.
