After more than 35 years of dedicated leadership and 41 total years of service, Steve Cordes has announced his retirement as CEO of Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU), effective August 15, 2025.
Let's create a community where youth are embraced and will thrive
139
Youth accessed our Youth Shelter in 2024
604
Youth accessed the Youth Action Centre in 2024
1355
Youth accessed our Employment Services in 2024
Funding provided by the Government of Canada through the Canadian Job Grant programs delivered by the Government of Ontario.
I started going to YOU’s Youth Centre in Strathroy. The people were great and I met good friends there. I took all the programs I could and I have been going for two years now. Every day when we leave the building they tell us to make good choices, so I started doing that.
Skyler
Youth Opportunities Unlimited Announces Leadership Transition as CEO Steve Cordes Retires
Taking care of our next generation, together.
Joan’s Place is now open — providing safe, affordable housing for youth, young mothers, and mothers-to-be. This welcoming space offers stability and support for young people working toward independence.
"My deepest wish is that my children and grandchildren will have considered me to be a good role model for them…I realized I had something to give and it could make a positive difference…I trust my family saw that I was putting my values into practice and making a difference in the world and making a difference where I could."
JOAN SMITH
