REGINA - The doors are open to a new youth drop-in centre in the heart of Regina’s Heritage district.
The venue is located at 1801 Toronto Street, and is the result of a partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan, the Regina Youth Advisory Team, and the John Howard Society. The centre is getting annualized funding of over $165,000 from the Ministry of Social Services for its operations. The province is also funding $500,000 overall towards drop-in centres in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert.
The centre was developed with extensive input from provincial Youth Advisory Teams members on what it should contain. According to the province’s news release, the drop-in centre provides a safe space and improved access to a broad range of community social services for youth ages 12 and up. The goal, according to that release, is to support youth through access to cultural programs, education and training programs, health programs, support and information.
Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky and those from the John Howard Society and Youth Advisory Team members were on hand for the grand opening. Makowsky pointed to why this centre will be benefit to the province.
“Well, we’ve heard from the youth advisory team. We’re taken this seriously as a government. I’ve met, since I’ve been the minister, a couple of times. After session, and very closely after session, I have another meeting with the youth advisory team… Again this is a chance for young people to have supports that they needed, and that could be safety, that could be a chance to meet with other youth and relax a bit, but also be tied into educational programming and things like that. So being able to help youth, obviously is important to the Ministry of Social Services, not only while they’re in care but when they’re transitioning out of care as well. Physical facilities like this are needed, but also good community partners like the John Howard and Egadz, throughout the province — CBOs that we rely on so much. We’re grateful for that partnership.”
Members of the youth advisory team explained the difference the centre will make in peoples’ lives.
“The drop in centre is some thing the community has needed for a really long time” said Amy Louise, youth advisor. “It’s a place where you can come and feel safe and supported. It’s a place where they can connect with other youth, and have their voices heard and respected.”
Kayla Lavallee-Keepness, youth advisor, pointed to drop-in centre making a difference in “being able to connect with other youth, because half the time you feel alone. So just that connection.”
The John Howard Society is excited about the possibilities with the drop-in and the difference it can make in the lives of youth in Regina.
“During the daytime we have outreach programs that provide services to youth in the community through our supported independent living program, through our Youth Connect program, but unfortunately, we don’t have anything during the evening," said Lorne Gill, Manager of Community Programs. "And during the daytime we know where those kids are. We’re talking about for the most part youth who have some instability in their life whether that’s housing, mental health, addictions. The people who are going to be accessing this drop-in for the most part will need support in one way or another.
“I would say the alternative to the drop-in in the nighttime is the same as when they’re hanging out during the daytime, which is unsafe homes that we are physically pulling kids out of. I wish we had the capacity to go there in the evening and check out some those used, but they’re usually homes that are filled with adults who are not any relation to them, where there’s substances, where there is risk for exploitation. So I think all of the additional programming that we’re offering here, it’s all gravy, it’s great, but really what kids need is a safe space to come, trusted adults, access to healthcare services."
