When Layla* first met her youth worker at just 13 years old, she didn’t trust the person who would eventually become one of her biggest supporters. Mandy Aujla was Layla’s Stop Exploiting Youth (SEY) worker from age 13 to 18. Over five years of trust-building and support, Layla began to see a future for herself – and today, she continues to build a life she’s proud of.
When Layla was first referred to the Archway SEY program, she had been living with friends, bouncing between unstable homes, and navigating a world of hurt and abandonment. Layla’s mom had substance abuse issues, and her dad wasn’t around.
“I moved out when I was around 10 or 11 and lived with friends. I was basically doing whatever I wanted,” said Layla.
The SEY program provides intensive outreach services for youth who are sexually exploited, or at high risk of sexual exploitation. Youth are supported in exiting exploitation and recognizing and engaging in healthy relationships.
Mandy Aujla, Archway SEY worker during Stop Exploiting Youth Week
Layla’s youth worker provided her with more than just outreach – she became a consistent and compassionate presence.
“I was surrounded by people who weren’t making healthy choices, and Mandy gave me a different perspective. She showed up with food when I wasn’t eating. She was there when I needed to talk. I didn’t have anyone like that at the time so having someone like Mandy really helped.”
One of the most impactful supports Layla received was help reconnecting with school. Layla hadn’t attended school consistently from grade four to grade 10, so her youth worker, alongside Layla’s grandmother, made education a priority.
“If my nana couldn’t drive me to school, I could always call Mandy,” Layla recalled. “And she never stopped reminding me how important it was to graduate so that really stuck with me.”
Through years of hard work and sacrifice, Layla began to believe in her own worth and her future. Layla graduated high school on time and is now completing upgrading courses in preparation for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program to become a travel nurse.
But Layla’s transformation wasn’t just academic. She made powerful lifestyle changes like quitting drugs and alcohol and distancing herself from unhealthy relationships while prioritizing healthier ones.
“Getting Layla connected to safe family members like her nana was key to her success. I also tried to model consistency, respect, and boundaries during our sessions, so she could see what healthy relationships were supposed to look like,” said Mandy.
Youth Resource Centre Team
Today, at 19, Layla is thriving. She has a strong bond with her grandmother – something she credits Mandy for helping her rebuild.
“Watching Layla grow into the strong, determined young woman she is today has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. She did the hard work, I just walked beside her,” said Mandy.
When Layla looks back on her life and where she came from, she feels proud.
“I’m proud of the person I’m becoming. I see a future for myself now. Before, I didn’t.”
*Real name withheld to protect client privacy
**Stock image used to represent client
“Watching Layla grow into the strong, determined young woman she is today has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. She did the hard work, I just walked beside her.”