Pictou County Roots for Youth Society

07/16/2025

Thank you, donors!

Last week, Roots for Youth and the YMCA of Pictou County announced that Roots for Youth moved operations, management and governance into the care of the YMCA of Pictou County. For our generous donors, this also means our donation processes have changed.

Donating to the YMCA Housing Department is as simple as it was to donate to Roots for Youth.

The online donation form is linked here:

http://www.pcymca.ca/MakeAnImpact

Cheques can be issued to YMCA of Pictou County and addressed to 2756 Westville Road, New Glasgow, NS, B2H 5C6. Please be sure to include a note if the donation is specifically for the YMCA Housing Department.

Cash donations can be made at the YMCA of Pictou County Wellness Centre location.

Donations specified for the YMCA Housing Department will continue to help young people meet their basic needs and work towards their long-term personal, educational, and employment goals. Thank you for your support over many years!

While we strive to make this transition as seamless as possible, we’re sure you have questions. Please reach out to Maxine MacLean, Philanthropy Manager, with the YMCA of Pictou County with any questions, concerns or to just say “Hi!” Email: [email protected].

Thank you for your continued support during this transition.

At the YMCA of Pictou County, we believe everyone belongs. When you donate, you are providing an opportunity for everyone in our community to discover their potential to thrive in a safe, welcoming space. Your donation stays directly in our community and ensure your Y is accessible to everyone. Make...

07/07/2025

Today marks a very special day for Pictou County Roots for Youth.

Effective today, Roots for Youth has moved its operations, management, and governance into the care of the YMCA of Pictou County.

This means that while many youth services and programming are the same, the branding and program titles have changed.

The former “Roots House” located at 122 Stellar Street in Stellarton is now called the “Stellar House,” which can be reached at (902) 695.2775. The former “Supportive Housing” program located at 64 Poplar Street in Stellarton is now called the “Poplar House,” which can be reached at (902) 695.2508. Overall, Pictou County Roots for Youth as we all have known it is now called the “YMCA Housing Department.”

The above programs still support at-risk youth from 16-24 years of age with housing, basic necessities, education, employment support, referrals, mentorship, among many other supports.

In summary: Same great services, same great people, same locations, different branding. 😊

Other Important Notes: As of May 24, 2025, the Youth Outreach Program has ceased its operations; however, any youth in need of outreach services are encouraged to reach-out to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County, as they’ll soon be accepting new clients.

Additionally, the Community Cupboard program at the former Roots for Youth is on hold until the fall. Please stay posted though the YMCA page for more details.

Questions or feedback can be directed to the General Manager of Housing, Kathryn Tanner via phone at (902) 695.2775 or via email at [email protected].

We appreciate your attention and patience with these new changes until everything is familiar.

Thank you for your support with this exciting transition!

07/03/2025

Hello, Pictou County!

Pictou County Roots for Youth is looking to gift a young person with a TV for their secured housing outside of Roots for Youth. We would like to start with any TVs available in the community for donation.

If available and ready to donate, please contact the Roots House at (902) 695.2775 or email [email protected].

Thank you for your support!

06/28/2025

Hooray!! Phones line is back up and running at the Shelter!

06/28/2025

Unfortunately we are having trouble with our phone lines. Please phone our shelter cell number 902-616-3113 if you are in need of our services!

05/14/2025

We are so excited to announce that with the help of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia we have been able to complete the renovations on our programming space within our emergency shelter! We are so looking forward to all the great things our youth will be able to accomplish with the support this space will create!

05/01/2025

We are so excited to be apart of the amazing Integrated Youth Services coming to Pictou County!!

🌟 Big News for Youth in Pictou County! 🌟

We’re so excited to share the official name of our new Integrated Youth Services site…
⚓ Anchor Youth Space Pictou County! 💙

Chosen by youth, for youth — this name reflects a place of safety, belonging, and support. While the space isn’t open just yet, it’s coming soon, and so is our location announcement! 📍👀

Anchor Youth Space will be a welcoming drop-in hub where young people can access mental health and addiction services, along with programs from trusted community organizations — all under one roof. 🧠💬❤️

A huge THANK YOU to our coalition partners for their incredible work to date:
🤝 YMCA of Pictou County
🤝 Pictou County Roots for Youth Society
🤝 The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia
🤝 Pictou County Community Health Centre

And to our generous supporting partner, the Aberdeen Health Foundationdeen Health Foundation, thank you for believing in the power of youth and community. 🙌🌱

This is an exciting time for young people in Nova Scotia — and Anchor Youth Space will soon be a place they can truly call their own. 🫶

04/28/2025

Pictou County Roots for Youth is looking for a summer student (Youth Worker position) to fulfill an eight-week contract this summer! Hourly wage is $16.50.

Cover letter and resume can be emailed to Executive Director, Kathryn Tanner ([email protected]) & Program Manager, Stacey Silver ([email protected]). Deadline to submit is Monday, May 26.

For more information, please contact:

Kathryn Tanner
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (902) 616.5043

Stacey Silver
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (902) 616.0843

04/09/2025

We are so excited to see this announcement!!! A huge step forward for youth housing in Nova Scotia!!!

More youth and young families in Halifax will soon have access to safe, affordable housing with 24/7 support services. 🏘️

Through a first-of-its-kind partnership with Phoenix Youth Programs, AHANS, and the province, two fully refurbished buildings will soon open their doors to 22 young people and families in need.

This is what real action on housing looks like.

Learn more: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/04/07/new-supportive-housing-youth-young-families

04/08/2025

Sharing on behalf of Nova Scotia Works!