Our Evolution

Youth Habilitation Quinte Inc. (Youthab) was incorporated in 1984 through the efforts of staff members from various community agencies who were concerned about the lack of services for youth in the Quinte region, particularly those youth aged 16 to 18. Two primary needs were identified at this time: the need for immediate crisis response and the need for short-term to medium-term counselling.

For the first year of operation local agencies and organizations provided staffing on a weekly basis to provide this crisis and short term to medium term counselling. Dr. Harold Goldsman who also contributed professional manpower on a voluntary basis coordinated these resources. In 1985, funding was received from the Ministry of Community and Social Services to provide community youth support services and housing support services.

Throughout the next decade Youthab expanded considerably. Youthab applied for and received funding for a mental health program, a youth employment counselling program, a 9 bed Transition Home that is staffed 24 hours a day and 13 geared to income Cooperative Houses spread throughout Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. In 1990, Youthab received funding to develop the Hastings Housing Resource Centre that would assist low-income people in finding appropriate housing and increase public awareness of the critical need for low cost housing. This centre became known as the Hastings Housing Resource Centre in 2000.

Youthab’s newest program, the Community Employment Counselling Program, began in March 2001. This program provides employment assistance that includes the development of return to work action plans, referrals to training and other assistance, as well as career counselling to unemployed individuals in the Quinte Region.

At the present time, Youthab continues to provide service to youth and adults from its various offices in Belleville, Trenton, Madoc, Picton, Bancroft and Napanee with a staff of over 50 full and part-time professionals. Youthab operates a 9 bed fully staffed Transition Home in Belleville, 13 semi-independent Co-Operative Housing homes containing 59 beds throughout Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. The Hastings Housing Resource Centre provides service to all of Hastings County. Youthab’s employment programs for youth and adults are under the name Career Edge in all 6 different locations.

Youthab is very proud of the support we offer to clients. Clients can expect a professional, caring, considerate staff member to assist them with their issues. Youthab is dedicated to our clients’ success!