Who We Serve:

• Youth
• Community Organizations
• Youth-Serving Organizations
• Government Agencies
• Groups or Systems prepared to embrace Community Youth Development

Our values: HeartWood is a values-driven organization.  Our values include:

• Inclusion
• Learning by Doing
• Strength-Based Approach
• Respect for the Environment
• High Program Quality
• Playfulness

A Distinct Vantage Point:

Here is an overview of the unique contributions HeartWood has offered in communities across Nova Scotia and Canada:

• 20 years of experience and knowledge in the field of youth engagement.
• A variety of direct youth programming experience with unengaged youth (e.g. ‘at-risk’ youth, clients of the NS Department of Community Services, youth with experience through the justice system, etc.).
• Experience and expertise in offering professional development and training sessions to volunteers and service providers working with youth.
• Experience and expertise in connecting youth to their communities
• Experience and expertise in leading mentorship programs for youth and young adults.
• Uses an appreciative approach, founded on core principles of youth engagement that include relationship building and asset-based community development.
• Works in partnership with all its programs and community-based projects.

HeartWood's office located on Spring Garden Road in Halifax!

What is Community Youth Development?

Community Youth Development is an approach to engaging and involving a diversity of young people in the programs, services and processes that impact them.  When young people are involved in meaningful ways, the positive outcomes for youth are improved. Some benefits for youth include:

• Increased positive social networks and partnerships
• Greater employment, entrepreneurial and leadership skills
• Enhanced self confidence
• Ability to work with adults

If young people are engaged, then there are spin-offs and benefits for communities and agencies as well. Some benefits for communities and agencies include:

• Improved organizational services and initiatives
• Increased ability to work with youth
• Stronger connections to diverse youth
• Increased energy, creativity and action-oriented approach
• Youth-adult partnerships that contribute to community development

Youth engagement can be in the form of increased participation and leadership opportunities, increased decision-making opportunities, and increased volunteerism for youth within our agencies, organizations and communities.

HeartWood has been successful for many years because of our commitment to providing high-quality programming that is both experiential and strength based for youth and adults. The programs offered at HeartWood have a sustainable impact because of the connection that is created between youth and their communities. Visit our “What We Do” section for detailed information on our programs and services for both youth and adults.