Youth Diversion program moving downtown in April

Windsor's Youth Diversion program is moving next month to a more central location at the New Beginnings centre.

Starting April 1, Youth Diversion will be located at 1015 Highland Ave.

“New Beginnings is excited to welcome Youth Diversion as a tenant to our Highland location,” said New Beginning's executive director Stacey Yannacopoulos. “We fully expect that due to both organizations' respective missions, visions and values, being in such close alignment will open the door for exciting collaboration in the future.”

Program organizers said the new spot will be more centralized with better accessibility and transportation options than the current Provincial Road location. It will also be close to community and justice partners, the organization said.

There will be private entrance for Youth Diversion visitors off of Erie Street.

New Beginnings and Youth Diversion will remain two distinct organizations, but the groups said a “cohesive space” and “collaborative approach” makes sense for helping clients going forward.

“The relationship between the two organizations will only be strengthened by the relocation,” said Joanna Conrad, executive director of Youth Diversion.

Youth Diversion has been supporting youth ages six to 18 to make positive life decisions through preventive services, education, and encouragement since 1980 by offering opportunities for young people to address underlying issues contributing to their at-risk behaviour, offering outreach initiatives and programs for young people in conflict with the law.

The programs are aimed at helping young people develop self-respect, responsibility and problem-solving skills.

The organization also offers online resources for parents and educators on issues such as sexting, online safety, digital footprint, cyberbullying and more.