Ensuring Sustainable and Measurable Outcomes are in Place
At Youth Encounter, our mission is clear: to create a safe space where both staff and clients can unleash their God-given potential. This mission fuels our vision of seeing the young people of Aotearoa thrive with purpose, and hope in their future. Central to achieving this vision are our four key objectives, which guide our efforts, measure our progress, and ensure that we remain focused on what truly matters — impact.
"Over half of all New Zealanders aged 15-24 experience anxiety or depression – and numbers of young people with moderate to high distress have nearly doubled since 2016/17, a recent Ministry of Health survey shows." - Mental Health Foundation
Impact Focused: The Heart of Our Mission
Our second key objective, being Impact Focused, is foundational to how we deliver on our mission. We are committed to ensuring that every dollar invested in Youth Encounter translates into sustainable and measurable outcomes. This means that the quality of our program delivery is directly proportionate to the income streams we receive, ensuring that we maximize the impact of every resource.
Measuring What Matters
To achieve sustainable and measurable outcomes, we use a rigorous outcome tracking system that monitors client progress against set targets. This system allows us to regularly review our programs, make necessary adjustments, and assess the long-term impact of our work beyond immediate results. By doing so, we ensure that our programs are not just meeting needs in the short term but are also creating lasting change.
Guided by Evidence, Driven by Change
Our programs are built on a strong evidence-based framework, designed to facilitate intentional change in the lives of the youth we serve. At the core of this approach is Youth Encounter’s own theory of change model, the Live Life Wide Open Track. This model parallels life learnings with activity-based experiences, engaging individuals in a growth mindset and guiding them towards greater possibilities.
Capturing the Outcomes
The outcomes of Youth Encounter’s work is captured using a Results-Based Accountability (RBA) model and a Client Relationship Management (CRM) system Exess. These tools provide a clear picture of the difference we are making in the lives of young people and their families, all through a strength-based approach. Our strategic outcomes are meticulously measured with indicators designed to assess whether our clients are truly better off because of the programs we deliver.
These outcomes are not just about changing behaviours but about shifting mindsets—dealing with what lies beneath the surface (as illustrated by the Iceberg Model). By focusing on these deeper issues, we create lasting, meaningful change that resonates across all areas of our clients' lives.
Social Impact: The Difference We Are Making
At Youth Encounter NZ, our impact extends beyond the individual lives of our clients—it resonates at the community and national levels. Through our commitment to Population Accountability, we focus on enhancing the well-being of entire populations. Our programmes are designed to not only transform the lives of the young people we serve but also contribute to the mental health and vitality of communities across Aotearoa. By facilitating positive outcomes within individuals, we drive broader social impact, creating a ripple effect that benefits society as a whole.
Our Impacts;
1. Healthier Whānau: We help young people move from low self-worth to a secure identity. Through self-awareness, identity formation, and social skills modules, we guide them toward healthier relationships with their whānau, promoting mental well-being and stronger family dynamics.
"Youth encounter is something our kid looks forward to and has been so beneficial for him and our whanau" - Parent
2.Thriving Communities: We support young people in finding purpose and direction, which builds thriving communities. Our programs encourage exploring personal values, setting goals, and getting involved in the community, helping them develop a sense of belonging and a desire to contribute positively.
"The students see the impact outdoor activities can have on them. Also to be able interact and practice displaying positive values with each other." - School Teacher
3.Contributing Members of Society: We facilitate hope and address despondency by equipping young people with the skills and confidence they need. This empowers them to become active, inspirational members of society, breaking negative cycles and setting positive examples.
"I recently had a conversation with my young person about dreams and goals. This wasn’t something they had ever talked about before Youth Encounter. It helps to give them hope for their future." - Social Worker
4.Ongoing Growth and Freedom: We focus on helping young people break generational cycles of poverty through resilience and skill development. Our programs emphasize personal growth and work readiness, providing them with the tools needed for lasting transformation and independence.
"We have children who attend Youth Encounter that have gone on to engage more actively in their own lives. They learn and grow in confidence and develop a range of new skills that help them with this. We know YE is actively engaged and so supportive of each student they take on and make such positive changes with them." - School Teacher
Become a Lifeline for Kiwi Youth – Join Our Monthly Givers Today!
Right now, more than half of young New Zealanders are struggling with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. But with your help, we can change that.
For as little as $10 a week, you can provide life-changing support to a young person in need—helping them build resilience, find purpose, and Live Life Wide Open. Together, we can turn despair into hope, and hopelessness into opportunity.
Join our Live Life Wide Open regular supporters today, and be part of a movement that’s empowering youth across Aotearoa to live out their God-given potential.
Your ongoing support can make a world of difference. Click here to start your weekly or monthly gift and see the impact of your generosity every day.
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