SASKATOON — Rose Ocampo and Latara Lacendre are looking forward to helping at-risk youths like themselves every step of the way — from getting them off the streets, to finishing school and finding a job.
They are part of the Saskatoon Youth Committee, which led the sod-turning ceremony for EGADZ’s (the Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre) Retreat Homes on Thursday, along with Social Services Minister Terry Jenson, EGADZ donors Wally and Colleen Mah, and EGADZ executive director Don Meikle.
Meikle said the retreat homes will serve youth experiencing mental health and addiction challenges who require additional support to help them recover and find stability. The youth advisory team is directly involved in the design and operations of the program.
"On behalf of EGADZ and the youth advisory team, we are happy to be bringing forward different housing options to assist youth in care. We are confident our new way of assisting youth will continue to be successful,” said Meikle.
Both Ocampo and Lacendre believe that being part of the youth advisory committee allows them to be the voice of voiceless youths. The advisory team will assist in the multi-million-dollar project to expand EGADZ’s Retreat Homes program.
“We help build the houses. We make the rules and, to some extent, train the staff as well. Ensure everything is going to plan on a weekly or monthly basis. We see how good it is, see if they're keeping up with the houses,” said Lacendre, who is now 19 years old.
Lacendre added that EGADZ helped youths like her complete their education and find employment, from creating resumes to obtaining government IDs.
They believe that getting the help they need can set youths on the right path. And, Lacendre said, that is what they are doing as part of the advisory team assisting EGADZ.
“Some would be like, ‘Hey staff, I want to do this job.’ With the help of EGADZ, we can also explore some options for you. We want to see them all go to school, have a job, a career and do good,” said Lacendre.
Ocampo said they are looking for staff who are kind-hearted and know how to deal with and support at-risk kids and youths to help them improve their lives and recover from daily struggles and other issues.
“They should be, like, ‘you want to go for a walk, or something?’ These are the type of staff we want to help kids and youths like us. I'm excited to see people who come from bad situations make that turnaround and thrive in EGADZ’s community,” she added.
The federal and provincial governments are two of the funding partners supporting EGADZ’s program, investing $1.5 million in the construction of two five-space group homes that will provide 24-hour care to youth facing mental health and substance use challenges.
The provincial government allocated $650,000, while the federal government contributed $400,000 as part of its Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. The Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership manages the funds under the leadership of executive director Robert Lafontaine.
The Mahs made a private donation of $250,000. An additional $200,000 comes from EGADZ’s general reserves, reflecting the strong and collective commitment to improving the lives of youth in crisis.
