Who we are
project step is a community-wide initiative to ensure young people and their families have access to support, treatment, education, and prevention of problematic substance and technology use.
What we do
project step partners deliver addictions counselling, prevention education, and family support in every publicly funded high school and five community-based schools in Ottawa. The partnership also provides residential treatment at two centres – one in each official language.
Because of project step…
Young people receive prevention education to understand the dangers of ongoing drug use
Youth have easy access to counselling at school and in community youth programs
Teachers and school staff learn to identify and address the risk factors for substance use
Parents receive care and resources to support their kids on the path to recovery
In 2021, the number of young people in Ottawa reporting poor or fair mental health has doubled since before the pandemic, and many young people are using drugs and alcohol to cope. Fortunately, project step promotes mental health and substance use health, and reduces harms related to substance use and addictions.
Donya got sober just before she became pregnant but staying off drugs was a challenge. Project step mental health and addictions counsellors at the Youville Centre for teen moms helped her find stability and support through her recovery, all while raising a healthy son. Donya went on to study at Carleton University, setting a course for a brighter future.
Project step and other youth-serving organizations hosted a conversation with young people about mental health, substance use health, gambling, problematic technology use, wellness, and the types of help that exist in our communities. The following report was assembled to help service providers better support and work in partnership with local youth.
Since 2007,
with your support,
project step has helped:
17,700+ students access school-based counselling
289,000+ students receive education sessions
16,100+ parents receive support