Powell River Winner
The Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services Societys (PRCYFSS)
Research supports the principle that a well-managed and properly funded youth centre is integral to the health of our youth and our community. A youth centre is an important part of creating a community where young people feel valued and included. A youth centre provides a connecting point for the most vulnerable youth in our community, empowering and engaging them to achieve positive youth development. Powell River remains one of the few communities in the province that does not have a youth centre. This is a badge that we are not proud to wear, and we believe that now is the time to change that!
The SAY Project will address the needs of our youth by providing the following:
- a space that is open afterschool minimum 3 days per week, and Saturdays, and is accessible to any youth 13-19 years old;
- non-judgemental adult support in a safe, secure environment;
- access to food, housing supports, emotional supports and other community resources necessary for a young person to survive and thrive;
- opportunities to learn new skills, make new friends and have socially positive experiences in a way that is meaningful for youth;
- opportunities for youth to get involved in the community through volunteer work and participation in youth groups that are developed by youth, for youth.
If PRCYFSS SAY Project is awarded the 10K Giveaway, we will use the money to cover:
- operational costs (rent and utilities);
- minor renovations (i.e., youth have told us they would like a small stage for performances);
- equipment youth will need (i.e., used furniture, kitchen equipment for meal programs, computers for working on homework and accessing the internet, laundry facilities, etc)
We will provide staffing for the centre, will invite other community organizations to join us, and will provide volunteer training for community members interested in helping. Our community allies, especially our youth, will be engaged to work with us to furnish the centre and make it a desirable place for youth to use.
The YRC will open up many opportunities for our youth, including the ability to:
- attend drug free coffee houses, jam nights and whatever else they think is fun;
- access to recreational opportunities that are free or low cost;
- plan their own events, fundraisers and awareness campaigns for the causes that matter to them;
- come in out of the rain, eat and connect to supportive adults and other youth.