STEP/LEAP Program

STEP (Short term enhancement Program)/LEAP (Long term enhancement Program) programs: Individualized assistance to youth in areas of personal growth, counseling on a one-to-one basis, vocational counseling, physical assistance, mentoring and coaching.

"I would like to voice the positive impact that the family of DYSL offered and instilled in me. As a high school student, I learned the importance of positive communication, team work, hard work and helping others, and that helped me to pursue and get a job and expand my horizons. Thanks to my great experiences at DYSL and at the thrift store, I was able to help my community and obtain a sense of self-worth and learn from all the wonderful people that make up DYSL. Thank you for letting me be a part of this great organization!"

KW
2010

"I wish to publicly acknowledge the Youth Internship Program sponsored by the Delta Youth Support Line Society (DYSL) and Discoveries Thrift Store in which I participated over this past summer with the main focus being how to run a small business, learn customer service, how to work with volunteers and bring new ideas to the store to hopefully bring up profitability. DYSL's main focus is to help with the youth of Delta through a variety of programs such as tutoring, mentoring, bursaries, marketing a help chat line and community events such as the very successful movie nights. I appreciate the opportunity everyone in the store gave me as this will assist me with future employment and possibilities in opening my own small business some day.

I would encourage the youth of Delta to help the community and their peers by volunteering with the wonderful men and women who give up their time and effort to help us."

K.
2008

"Thank you so much for the opportunity to work in the DYSL Discoveries shop last summer. The leadership mentoring program gave me many new skills that I am sure will be used in my future employment.

The skills included, attending to customers requests in a positive,welcoming, efficient way. Also, I learned to cash out at the end of a business day. Additionally I oriented new volunteers to the tasks expected of a volunteer. I also was able to experience the task of window dressing.

What was especially helpful was the clean, friendly, & nurturing environment; and the support of others.

It was a real privilege and pleasure to participate in this program, many thanks!"

K.
2007

"Volunteering at DYSL has had an enormous influence on me. Being around these amazing volunteers has given me the realization of security and comfort having to be aware that there are those people who are always concerned about me. Most significantly, when I am under stress by this ever so enigmatic teenage angst. Having to think back on the memorable grown up talks I have had with the volunteers, it brings back memories and a smile. That is definitely one of the best treasures I have gained from DYSL.

The DYSL volunteers support me emotionally and check on me to make sure I am doing okay. Thank you as well for financing the tutoring I needed. It has helped me greatly by improving my writing and has encouraged my interest to pay more attention to my studies.

I thank you all very much for everything! It has been invaluable to me. It is almost impossible to find the words that describe my gratitude for everything that I have gained from volunteering at DYSL.

Again, thank you so much. I greatly appreciate your generosity and friendships."

G.
2007

"First of all I would like to thank you for all the help that you gave me. I still remember when I just came here I couldn't speak one word of English and it was you who helped me break down all the problems as you were side by side with me. I learned a lot, not just English but most of all I think it is how to communicate with people. My friends made my life big but you made my life even bigger. I am very grateful to you again.

Secondly a very big thank you for paying my tutoring last year and to pay and help me with summer school too. My English improved a lot and now I am close to graduating and I am going to have a bright future. As you can see you have made a big difference in my entire life and I truly appreciate all the things you have done for me.

Thank you. I will never forget all of you guys."

A.
2006