The "Why Not" Behind What We Do

Sep 28

4 min read

This is the story of “Jane,” a young woman in her early teens who has faced a childhood that no one should have to face. Mom is battling addiction and has left home, leaving Jane and her dad to grieve and navigate that life change. Dad is battling a terminal illness. Jane has been the victim of assaults and has become angry and self-destructive, with her coping strategies being attempted suicide, repeated self-harm, and putting herself willingly into very dangerous and complex situations in exchange for alcohol or substances to numb her.

Jane and her dad fall through societal cracks at each and every turn. Jane’s story is still being written. She walks on the razor-sharp edge of a knife; one slip and she could be lost forever. Why Not has been a safe place for this family, where Jane felt connected to our youth centre staff for those moments when she was inside our doors, and where Dad knew she would be safe off the streets at least while she was here.

There is no easy answer, no resolution that can make everyone breathe a sigh of relief that it has all worked out in a clean and sanitary way that makes everyone feel good in the end.

This is a story that repeats with many variations among the youth who come to our youth centre. We touch lives that are deeply broken, where there are no quick or tidy answers to be found. We work in the midst of uncertainties and do everything we can to show love, acceptance, and a different way to those who are very much lost in each moment we have them in our presence. For some, we get to see the light of a brighter day starting to shine in them over the years they spend with us. For others, we hold a candle in the darkness and chase the demons that haunt them away for just a few moments when they come and share their journey with us in that precious space of time.

SHARING STORIES & EXPANDING OUR REACH

At Why Not, we always appreciate opportunities to attend community events, share stories, highlight our programs, and build awareness across our city. Whether it’s presenting at a social service conference, speaking at a service club, or connecting with a business or church, these events help us connect our mission with people who can support our work through financial gifts or volunteering.

If you have connections or know of a group that would like to hear our story, please reach out directly to karen@whynotcitymissions.com to set up an introduction!

SUMMER RENOVATIONS

Summer proved to be the perfect time to tackle cleanup and renovation work at our Supportive Housing for Young Parents home. With sincere gratitude, we welcomed Jim and his team from Home Depot Brantford, who custom-built wainscoting in-store, then installed and painted it on-site. New lighting that Home Depot also provided finished this project off in a bright new way!

This work was much needed. The original 170-year-old wallpaper had begun peeling, and the toddlers in our playroom were delighting in helping it along! Installing wainscoting allowed us to preserve the intact wallpaper higher up while protecting the lower walls from curious little fingers. As a bonus, the new trim brightens up the room beautifully, balancing the original darker wallpaper.

Across all our programs, we aim to model and encourage a strong work ethic and community spirit. Recently, several Charlie’s Place residents stepped up to help some of our moms move furniture into their second-stage housing apartments, tend to the gardens, and declutter around the SHYP house. Just like in any home, it’s amazing what can accumulate over a few years!

You are Cordially Invited to Dinner!

Help us expand our reach into the lives of youth by investing in this evening out!

Get To Know Our Team: This Issue’s Featured Staff

Shady Mohammed

Hi, my name is Shady, and I work at the Youth Centre and have an educational background in police studies and Social Sciences.

What drew me to Why Not is my passion for building genuine connections. It’s remarkable to see youth from all backgrounds come together to create a second home for staff and young people alike. Supporting and guiding these wonderful youth on their journey is a true privilege, and every day brings a meaningful experience.

Abby Stubbs

Hi! I’m Abby. My background in social science opened my eyes to the barriers facing underserved/underprivileged communities, but I wanted to move beyond the classroom to gain hands-on experience with people facing hardships and understand what would truly help them. With my background in youth leadership, Why Not is the perfect place to connect, learn, and make a meaningful difference for youth from all walks of life.

Dee Chimbari

Hello all, I’m Dee. My heart for working with youth is rooted in my own journey and my faith that every life carries purpose and possibility. I love the vision and mission of Why Not City Missions and believe in kairos moments: those God-appointed moments when the right support, care, and opportunity can change the direction of someone’s life. It is a privilege to walk alongside young people in those moments, helping them recognise their worth, discover their potential, and take steps towards a hopeful future.