Saskatchewan IYS Backbone Team
The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan (JHSS) is a non-profit organization that offers social and justice programing through out Saskatchewan. In 2022 JHSS was selected to lead Integrated Youth Services (IYS) as the Backbone organization in Saskatchewan by the Government of Saskatchewan. The Backbone organization is responsible for implementing a consistent and comprehensive provincial IYS model, as well as establishing and fostering collective and strategic partnerships. It is also responsible for providing leadership, provincial direction, and ongoing support for long-term operation of a minimum of three physical IYS Youth hubs in Saskatchewan in addition to virtual services.
Pam Reimer
Director of Integrated Youth Services
Pronouns: She/Her
What Saskatchewan community do you currently live in? Is there another community in Saskatchewan that you also call home?
I was born and raised in Regina, and currently live there.
What interests you about the opportunity to be a part of this Integrated Youth Services?
I was so excited as I started to learn about Integrated Youth Services (IYS) and how other jurisdictions implemented this in their communities to affect change, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I am passionate about change and building change WITH people is my favourite way to create solutions to any problem I am talking about. So, the opportunity to work alongside youth and Saskatchewan communities to address gaps and barriers they face to provide resources, services, and supports to our youth is such an exciting space to work in.
What does community mean to you?
For me, community means working together to build a space where everyone feels valued to share their thoughts and experiences. A space where we understand that although we may not be able to do or achieve everything we want, we will do what we can to grow our community in a healthy way together towards our goals.
If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
I would want the ability to teleport! With lots of my family members being across the world, the opportunity to go and see them whenever I want without being worried about travel times or costs would be absolutely amazing… Also, I could get any food I’m craving ANY TIME I want?! Yup teleportation is the dream!
Cliff Ballantyne
Manager of Youth and Caregiver Engagement
Pronouns: He/Him
What Saskatchewan community do you currently live in? Is there another community in Saskatchewan that you also call home?
Prince Albert is where I was born, and Sturgeon Lake First Nation is where I was raised. I travel between the two.
What interests you about the opportunity to be a part of this Integrated Youth Services?
I came into this space as a young person looking to find my own way forward. I wanted to be part of something meaningful because at times I didn’t feel I meant something. Through this type of work in my community I found purpose and meaning. A place, a space where I felt my voice mattered. Almost 9 years and many experiences later I now want to be a support for other young people getting involved in this type of work. I want to meet them where they are at like a lot of people had done for me.
What does community mean to you?
Community for me means being together in our successes, challenges, and times of quietness. It’s coming together to support each other when something comes our way that might feel uncomfortable. It’s knowing that I have a role to play and that my voice matters just as much as my other community members. It’s understanding that I’m not always going to have all the answers, but we can work together to find them. Most importantly though, community to me means that if I fall there is going to be someone there to help me up.
If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
My superpower would be being able to reverse time by 3 seconds and I can only use it 5 times within a day. I second guess myself sometimes and being able to rethink what I’m doing would be really helpful. I try to be mindful of what I’m saying and doing but sometimes I get tripped up in my words that it comes off different than what I was thinking. I also limit to 5 times a day so I don’t abuse it and would give to a chance to learn and grow when I max out on my limit of the day.
Amanda Neuman
Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Pronouns: They/Them
What Saskatchewan community do you currently live in? Is there another community in Saskatchewan that you also call home?
10 Years ago I made the trek from the west coast to call Saskatoon home. I also have a place in my heart for the Northwest area of the province and the beautiful landscape.
What interests you about the opportunity to be a part of this Integrated Youth Services?
When this initiative was announced in Saskatchewan I was filled with excitement and hope. As a young person, I struggled with mental health if it wasn’t for a similar pilot project I wouldn’t be where I am today. The opportunity to be a part of the creation and work with our youth to design something special was too good to pass up!
Dedicated space for our young people to meet their unique needs is so crucial to helping them become the best versions of themselves. Integrated Youth Services (IYS) should help bridge the gap and increase access for not only our most vulnerable youth, but all young people in our province.
What does community mean to you?
The first phrase that comes to mind for me is “With us, not for us”. Community is collaboration, creation, and unity. A strong community is empowered and hopeful to help each other out and pump each other up to achieve great things that benefit everyone.
If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
I can’t help but be in awe of The Flash. The ability to be where I need to be, when I need to be there would be amazing. My work and family keep me so busy that getting rid of the travel time would be a huge bonus!
