About YGOS
Our Story
It Started by Going Where Youths Went
The beginnings of YGOS go back to 1983, when Youth Guidance was started as a ministry of Singapore Youth for Christ.
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In 1996, Youth Guidance became an independent organisation: Youth Guidance Outreach Services.
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At the time, there was growing concern about youths-at-risk in Singapore's housing estates. Instead of waiting for young people to come forward for help, the early youth workers went into the neighbourhoods to meet them.
They spent time with youths, built relationships and earned their trust. One connection led to another, and the work grew from there.
Our Journey
1983
Where It Began
Youth Guidance begins as a ministry of Singapore Youth for Christ, reaching out to youths in Singapore's housing estates.
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1996
Youth Guidance Outreach Services
Youth Guidance becomes an independent organisation, Youth Guidance Outreach Services (YGOS).
1997
IPC Status
YGOS becomes an Institution of a Public Character (IPC).
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2012
Growing Our Community Work
The Experiential Learning & Mentoring Programme (ELMP) receives funding from NCSS Community Chest.
2018 Strengthening Intervention Support
YGOS becomes an Integrated Service Provider funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
2020
Moving Into Rehabilitation
YGOS begins managing the Community Rehabilitation Centre, funded by the Singapore Prison Service.
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2023 Reaching Youths in New Spaces
M.O.S.T and Cyber Outreach expand the ways YGOS connects with young people in the community and online.
2024 Reformative Training
YGOS begins providing case management support at the Reformative Training Centre.
2025 Extending Support After Residential Care
YGOS begins providing Post-Care Support for youths from the Singapore Girls' Home.
2026 Creating More Spaces for Youths
YGOS expands its youth spaces with The Collective, creating more places for young people to connect and access support.
Our Vision & Mission
What Guides Us
Our Vision
Inspiring Hope,
Impacting Lives
Our Mission
To provide hope to youths-at-risk and their families through caring relationships and developmental opportunities for the whole person.
Our Approach
The Person Comes Before the Programme
Programmes give structure to our work, but meaningful change begins with relationships.
We take the time to understand each young person, the circumstances around them and the people who matter in their lives. From there, we work alongside youths, families and our partners to provide support that is relevant to what they need.
Caring & Trusted Relationships
We build genuine relationships grounded in sincerity, consistency and trust.
Youth & Family-Centred
We recognise youths and their families as active partners in creating positive change.
Partnerships & Community
We work with families, schools, agencies, volunteers and community partners because lasting support takes more than one organisation.
Whole-Person Development
We look beyond immediate challenges to support the young person's social, emotional and personal development.
Safe & Respectful
We create spaces where young people can be heard and supported without being defined by their circumstances or mistakes.
Evidence-Informed
We continue learning from our work, using evidence and outcomes to strengthen how we support young people.
Our Values
What We Stand For
Sincerity
We approach people with genuine care and honesty, building relationships grounded in trust and authenticity.
Empowerment
We help people build the confidence and capabilities to grow, make choices and realise their potential.
Excellence
We keep learning and improving so that we can do our work well and make a meaningful difference.
Sustainability
We look beyond short-term outcomes and work towards positive change that can last.
ANCHORED TO THE ROCK, GEARED TO THE TIMES.
For 30 years, the world around young people has continued to change. So have we.
From neighbourhood outreach to online communities, and from early intervention to rehabilitation and aftercare, YGOS continues to evolve with the needs of young people.
But while how we work may change, why we do it remains constant.
We believe in caring relationships, we believe change is possible, and we believe every young person has potential.
Our Leadership & Governance
Leading With Purpose
Accountability & Transparency
Access our annual reports, financial statements and organisational policies.
YGOS is guided by a Board and leadership team committed to responsible governance, accountability and the long-term sustainability of our work.
Our Story Is Still Being Written
Thirty years on, young people continue to face new challenges, in new places and in new ways.
YGOS will continue to learn, adapt and work alongside youths, families and the wider community to meet those needs.
Because while times change, the potential we see in every young person does not.
