Just say YES
Fundraising campaign hopes to bring in $3 million for much-needed youth centre
The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen has officially launched a fundraising campaign for Penticton’s new youth centre. Long-time resident and business leader Judy Lloyd has accepted the role as chair for the fundraising efforts.
“I feel very strongly that our youth need our support. They need a safe place to go when they need help. There are so many youth, from all walks of life, that are struggling today. It’s our responsibility to look after them,” said Lloyd.
The Community Foundation has negotiated the purchase of 501 Main St. and will be taking possession of the building on Jan. 15.
“We have made great strides in a short period of time,” said Aaron McRann, executive director of the community foundation.
“The community has already stepped up in a significant way and we currently have more than $900,000 committed towards our $3-million goal.”
“We are very pleased by the support from the City of Penticton because it shows that council has been listening to our young people in their work with the YES Project,” added Lloyd.
“Our youth know what they need and they have been telling us for five years that a centralized hub of resources will make it easier to access mental health resources.”
The youth centre will be a safe, youth-friendly place where young people can visit for a range of resources and supports that will help them to thrive, grow in self-esteem, and become healthy adults.
Ther e are so many youth, from all walks of life, that are struggling today. It’s our responsibility to look after them. Fundraising chair Judy Lloyd
The centre will include things such as access to supports for mental, physical and sexual health, and addictions, and serve as an access point to other social, psychological and recreational resources for young people.
It will offer one-stop support for parents, too. For example, when a young person needs help with a mental health crisis, there will be services for both youth and their parents on how to navigate the healthcare system, in addition to offering useful tools and resources to cope with other difficult issues.
In addition to clear support from Penticton youth, the centre has been endorsed and supported by more than 20 local organizations who all support youth through their own service delivery systems. All agree that a centralized hub for service delivery will improve the effectiveness of existing services.
“Saying it takes a village to raise a child has never been more true,” noted Lloyd.
“All young people deserve to thrive and today many of our youth are not thriving. We can’t stand by and watch it happen, expecting someone else to solve the problem. Our youth have spoken and our service providers agree. We need this youth centre. It’s up to all of us to help make it happen.”