Agency Spotlight: oneROOF Youth Services

oneROOF Youth Services in Kitchener is a vital resource for youth aged 12 to 25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The organization’s comprehensive support includes employment and education programming, mental health and addiction services, counselling, shelter, and supportive housing.

“oneROOF is a beacon of hope, providing refuge to the next generation of changemakers,” says Madison Bell, the organization’s social media and marketing specialist.

To help youth facing food insecurity, oneROOF provides food assistance with support from The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Their weekly food hamper program, held every Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m., provides essential groceries to young people in need.

“These hampers are designed to help folks supplement their groceries every week with items they may not otherwise be able to afford, such as dry and canned goods, frozen meals and proteins, and some fresh options as well,” explains Madeline Watkins, the chef at oneROOF.

In addition to their food hamper program, oneROOF offers a daily meal program, ensuring youth have access to hot dinners and to-go lunches throughout the week.

“My work at oneROOF is often challenging,” Madeline shares. “Figuring out how to create a new menu every week without knowing exactly what we’ll receive from The Food Bank keeps me on my toes. But knowing that the meals I create help struggling youth in our region avoid hunger makes it all worthwhile.”

Chef Madeline Watkins preparing a meal.

For youth interested in developing their cooking skills, oneROOF offers hands-on opportunities to work alongside Madeline in the kitchen. Under her guidance, youth help prepare meals, gaining practical skills in a supportive environment.

“Youth are actively involved in meal preparation, service, and cleanup,” Madison explains. “Our fully equipped onsite kitchen provides the opportunity for staff to incorporate cooking, food preparation, and kitchen maintenance into our programming, giving youth the chance to develop essential life skills and leave feeling empowered.”

Youth participating in Change4Change, oneROOF’s employment and education program, have an even greater opportunity to develop their culinary skills. Through paid job placements in various industries, including food service, they gain valuable work experience, learn new skills, and earn employment references.

“Our current Change4Change cohort, consisting of 10 young people, each working toward their own employment and educational goals, will spend four to six hours per week in our kitchen,” Madison says. “By the end of their 12-week journey, they will all have obtained their Food Handler Certificate and gained invaluable culinary and service skills. As an organization dedicated to serving youth, we prioritize the development of life skills and actively involve young people in daily tasks such as food preparation and kitchen maintenance.”

oneROOF Youth Services is one of 54 organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network. If you’d like to help The Food Bank support Network partners like oneROOF Youth Services, visit our Get Involved section on our website to learn more about donating food, funds, or time.