Troy Shantz Ontario’s Advocate for Children and Youth is impressed by the community cooperation giving birth to The Hub, an innovative new youth centre taking shape in Sarnia.
Troy Shantz
Ontario’s Advocate for Children and Youth is impressed by the community cooperation giving birth to The Hub, an innovative new youth centre taking shape in Sarnia.
Having 21 service providers come together is a rarity in Ontario and speaks volume about Sarnia-Lambton’s determination to tackle youth homelessness and mental health head on, Irwin Elman said.
“It’s a statement that egos and agendas have been set aside in favour of the wellbeing of children and youth.”
The Hub under construction at St. Luke’s United Church aims to be a one-stop support center for youth aged 16 to 24. It will offer help with mental health issues, addiction, education, and job readiness.
Nothing like The Hub currently exists and it’s long overdue, said co-chair Teri Thomas-Vanos.
“In our community we have lots of great resources but what we don’t have is a centralized location, so youth often have to travel about.”
A “Meet the Hub” event was scheduled for today to mark the start of construction and bring together project partners, government leaders, dignitaries and youth.
Once renovated it will house a lounge, kitchen space and showers, Thomas-Vanos said.
“One of our goals is to make sure kids, first of all, are fed and have access to warm, healthy, nutritious meals,” she said.
The wider goal is to help youth attain independent living skills, find education and employment supports, and provide a judgment-free space where mental health issues can be addressed.
The many partners involved include St. Luke’s Church, the County of Lambton, Rebound and St. Clair Child and Youth Services.
Thomas-Vanos said the initial start-up cost is about $225,000, and additional donations and a grant are helping with operational costs.
The Hub will also employ some youth who will work with onsite advisors to serve its clients.
The centre is scheduled to open in January 2017.
