Written by Beacon Community Services for Victoria Buzz
In the heart of Greater Victoria, Jennifer Mortimer has dedicated her energy to addressing youth homelessness through her work with Beacon Community Services.
With a passion for fostering hope and connection, she plays a significant role in transforming the lives of vulnerable young people.
Since 1995, she has been committed to this important, outcome-oriented work. Jennifer began her career with Beacon as a Street Outreach Worker on the Saanich Peninsula, responding to the needs of at-risk youth identified in the community.
Over time, these services expanded to cover a larger area and address broader needs, including homelessness.
The call to action
Jennifer’s journey into youth homelessness prevention began with a simple yet profound belief: “Hope is so important in creating change for youth. If you can no longer dream it, it is virtually impossible to reach it.”
This conviction has driven her daily interactions with young people throughout her career. Reminding youth that their dreams are valid and achievable opens the door for engagement and instills belief in a brighter future.
For those living in the moment, it offers a reason to hang on. Jennifer reinforces this message by seeing each youth as an individual with unique needs, helping them feel visible, heard, and valued.
At Beacon, she is dedicated to creating safe spaces where youth can feel secure and supported, allowing them to express themselves and envision a brighter future.
Through all the programming she leads, Jennifer has witnessed firsthand the impact of providing support to young people.
“Whether it be through our housing or prevention programs, allowing youth to stay within their peer group helps them support each other,” she explains. “This peer-centric approach makes it less intimidating for youth to seek help, fostering a sense of belonging and community.”
Building connections
Jennifer believes that connections are at the core of effective support. “Being a connection or link for so many youth over the years has been a great gift in my life,” she shares.
Her relational approach involves inviting youth into a non-judgmental space where they can share their experiences at their own pace. “I invite them without any requirement to share their stories. I encourage them to dream of a different life and share in their grief,” she explains.
This empathetic approach allows Jennifer to build trust with the young people she supports, making them feel seen and valued. She celebrates their resilience and strength, often expressing admiration for their ability to survive amidst adversity.
Navigating challenges
Despite her unwavering commitment, Jennifer acknowledges the significant challenges faced in the quest to prevent youth homelessness.
“Trauma and its many layers play a huge role. How do you explore the most difficult parts of your life if you have no safe space?” she asks. Factors such as poverty, lack of community connections, limited family support, discrimination, and mental health issues further complicate the landscape for vulnerable youth.
Jennifer often encounters misconceptions about youth homelessness, particularly the belief that it is a choice. She challenges this notion, stating, “If where the youth are currently living is so awful that the streets seem like a better option, I don’t see that as a choice.” By addressing these misconceptions, she hopes to foster a greater understanding of the complexities surrounding youth homelessness.
Celebrating successes
Throughout her career, Jennifer has been privileged to witness many success stories. “I see success everywhere,” she reflects. From young people who once accessed the shelter and now thrive in stable jobs to those who have overcome substance use and found supportive housing, these stories highlight the transformative impact of Beacon’s work.
Jennifer emphasizes that success is defined by the youth themselves. “Are they happy, healthy, and living the life they choose? For so many, the answer is yes!”
She is grateful for the role she has played in helping young people navigate their journeys toward stability and fulfillment, and she feels honoured that many of them stay in touch as they continue to find their way in the world.
Jennifer is not only dedicated to the success of youth but also to building partnerships and collaborations that aid in stabilizing their situations for the long term.
She is confidential, respectful, and always responsive in her endeavours.
A vision for the future
Looking ahead, Jennifer envisions a future where Beacon Community Services continues to expand its programming to meet the diverse needs of unhoused youth. “I would like to see Beacon grow our programming to ensure that the right housing options are available to all youth who are unhoused,” she says. This includes emergency shelters, transitional housing, supportive housing, and affordable market options tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
Reaching out for support
For those who may need support or know someone who does, Jennifer encourages reaching out to Beacon Community Services. “If you or someone you know needs support, reach out! Our programming is listed on our website at www.beaconcs.ca,” she urges.
Jennifer’s story is one of hope, resilience, and unwavering commitment to preventing youth homelessness.
As she continues her work at Beacon Community Services, she remains a beacon of light for young people in Victoria, helping them find their way to a brighter future.
