Community ‘has really stepped up to help us out’
After utilizing a couple of previous temporary locations where rented space was shared, the LaSalle Hangout for Youth unveiled its new permanent location Saturday, leaving teens who visit the centre excited to finally have their own place to call home.
“I’ve been coming here since the middle of last summer and almost daily since,” said Sabrina Durham, a student at Lajeunesse high school. “I love this. I have made many new friends and it’s a safe environment. We have our own spot now and don’t have to pack up every day when we leave.”
The teen centre has moved to 1400 Front Rd. in LaSalle, sharing a building owned by orthodontist Dr. Sharon Chan.
“We definitely needed a permanent home and the community has really stepped up to help us out,” said Rama Musharbash-Kovacsi, the teen hangout’s founder and director.
“There were not many options for us in this area. We spent three months looking and not many landlords wanted to take the risk. We want to thank Dr. Chan. This is a convenient location right on the main road where we wanted.”
Once the centre found its new home, donations and support from Integrity Tool & Mold, Rosati Construction and the Town of LaSalle helped renovate the 1,400-square-foot space, provide furniture, plus add a ping-pong table, pool table, air hockey game and video games.
“It’s overwhelming how much support the entire town has given to us,” said Musharbash-Kovacsi, who was honoured last fall by the town as its volunteer citizen of the year.
The centre is designed for youths from 12 to 18 years old. It attracts up to 50 teens a day in the summer and at least a dozen on average each school night, she said.
“There is not much going on in this neighbourh ood for kids to do after school,” Mushar bashKovacsi said. “We saw the need, so we stepped up.
“This gives them a place to go where there is adult supervision. We also provide counselling or do workshops on how to do resumes or find a job. The kids enjoy it here and can see how they get a lot out of it.”
Local MP Tracey Ramsey (NDP — Essex) was on hand for the opening and applauded Mushar bashKovacsi for her ongoing efforts.
“Rama just has passion for helping youth,” she said. “She saw a need here in LaSalle. Now they have a permanent home and received incredible community support.
“This is really an important spot (for teens). We live in a different time where kids are really into technology. This gets them out to socialize with each other. We need more of this across the county for kids.”