1.10: Powerhouse® Bringing the Approach Together
Throughout this lesson, we’ve explored how young caregiving can look different for every young person. We’ve also looked at the challenges young caregivers may experience, why they can remain hidden or unrecognized, and the importance of creating pathways to support.
Powerhouse® brings these ideas together through YCA’s model for supporting young caregivers and their families.
The model takes a strengths-based approach focused on resilience, recognizing both the challenges young caregivers may experience and the strengths, relationships and skills they bring to their caregiving role and everyday lives.
What Does Powerhouse® Look Like Today?
Powerhouse® has grown and evolved alongside the needs of young caregivers and their families. Today, YCA delivers Powerhouse® through a range of programs and supports designed specifically for young caregivers ages 5–25.
These include:
- Social recreation programs — including camps, life skills, teen and young adult programs, family activities and programs delivered in partnership with community organizations.
- Clinical supports — including individual counselling and clinical groups.
- Powerhouse® in Schools — bringing young caregiver identification and programming into school communities.
- Virtual programs — creating opportunities for young caregivers of different ages to connect with support regardless of where they live.