YAC is a youth group, social network and advocacy movement working to unite children in the care of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society. Strong efforts have grown the group in members, which has pushed the bounds from local immersion to provincial participation. YAC has worked closely with the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, the Student Commissions of Canada, UNICEF, Free the Children and WE Groups, along with the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies and YouthCan.
In addition to hosting internal fundraisers, celebrations and events for children and youth in care for the past two years, YAC has a big part in planning the provincial Child and Youth in Care Day for the entire province. This group works to help youth in care unite, find their voices, serve the community and develop leadership skills. Friendships are made. Skills are gained, and voices are found. That is what we call a YAC attack!
It doesn’t end there…YAC also helps organize a GSA (gay straight alliance) for LGBTQ+ youth in care and allies, in addition to programming specific for youth in care of colour and youth of Aboriginal descent within the foster care.