Adam Bramburger
Beaver Staff
Much was left to the imagination Friday as mostly unfilled office spaces with empty desks and non-descript neutral walls greeted visitors to the Lennox and Addington Youth Hub.
The trimmings weren’t as important, however, as the space itself — a large two-floor allotment in the County Memorial Building in the former health unit offices with a brand-new kitchen that is already becoming a one-stop shop for youth looking for social services.
“I think all together at this point, there’s 21 partner organizations involved and I think 18 of them have signed up to offer programming out of this space,” said United Way Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington community initiatives director Kim Hockey. “We’re working on confirming what days of the week they’ll be here and what specific programs they’ll offer — whether it be one-on-one counselling, drop-ins for cooking skills, or arts and crafts or programming downstairs.”
Hockey said some agencies have already started using the space for meetings and, early next month, the Napanee and Area Community Health Centre will be hiring a co-ordinator that will keep the hub open from 3-6 p.m. Monday to Friday to help facilitate programming connections. That co-ordinator will be funded through Lennox and Addington’s County’s youth homelessness funding and proceeds from the Kingston Penitentiary walking tours.
The local United Way chapter has already had some success with a similar model as it launched One Roof in Kingston a year ago. Since it opened its doors, 215 young people have visited that hub.
“It’s become a place of trust. They can go there and access supports as they’re read to access those supports and engagement. They offer regular programming. There is a housing program, but others are just coming to get connected to supports,” she said. “It works on a prevention notion. We don’t want kids ending up on the streets or couch surfing. If we can help provide them some opportunities for assistance before that happens, that’s what it’s all about.”
Walter Burt, the acting director for Prince Edward-Lennox and Addington Social Services (PELASS) applauded the United Way for driving the project. He said PELASS envisions having one of its own case workers in the facility two to three days a week. He sees reciprocal benefit for all the agencies that have decided to become involved in partnership.
“If youth are attending and accessing other services, if they have some questions about any of the programs or services our department can answer, we would have someone there. It would also give an opportunity for the youth we’re providing services to already — it makes it easier for us to access and connect them with the other services they might need.”
He said it isn’t always easy, especially for vulnerable people, to find the services they need.
“Navigating all the different systems and finding out where offices are and trying to get there is difficult. This way, a young person who has not had experience in navigating government services, I hope, will find it easier by coming to one spot to access the services they might need.”
Hockey credited Novelis for its work on the kitchen, offering volunteers to paint and install new floors and donating money for a new fridge, cupboards, stove, and dishwasher.
She also said a debt of gratitude was owed to Kingston-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington Public Health for leaving behind furniture, filing cabinets, and cork boards, and to the landlords at the County for ongoing maintenance. The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte will also play a role in decorating and service delivery.
Shylah Hart, a Grade 12 student at NDSS and the rural student trustee for the Limestone District School Board, was among the teenagers who attended the open house. She was impressed by what she saw.
“It’s amazing there’s a space for youth to go when they feel there’s nowhere else to go,” she said. “Seeing such an amazing community presence where youth feel they’re wanted and accepted is amazing.”
Hart said she’s heard from a number of friends who were aware of the centre’s development and excited to see it in their own community. She said it has the potential to provide opportunities for her peers to grow and be successful in society, while also being encouraged.
“It keeps them involved in positive aspects of the community, as opposed to getting involved in some of the not-so-positive activities,” she said.
More information about the Lennox and Addington Youth Hub and its partner agencies can be found by visiting www.unitedwaykfla.ca.