When the Thursday drop-in format and schedule changed recently at the Youth Resource Centre (YRC), its many users in the community wondered what was happening.
“The changes in part had to do with funding, but the funding issues did not prompt the change: they prompted a community consultation process,” says Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services Society (PRCYFSS) executive director Heather Gordon. “We began the conversation with other organizations working with youth to find out what needs they were identifying in the community for youth. The YRC Thursday program had a great group of kids and adults attending but our numbers had been lower for some time.”
Gordon says PRCYFSS wanted to better understand the needs of community partners and how the society could best respond to those needs with the limited funding it has to work with.
“We are pretty excited about what’s available for youth this year at the YRC and want to get the word out to Powell River youth,” says PRCYFSS special projects manager Erin Bradley. “Our new After School Drop-in for youth, on Thursdays from 3-5 pm, creates a safe space for youth needing a place to connect, have a hot meal and find support from a trusted adult.”
The After School Drop-in is run by youth engagement support worker Collette Sinkewicz, who works with Powell River youth, many of whom need a little extra support, or help transitioning into independent living.
“Collette is a really gentle and kind adult who youth really connect with,” says Bradley. “Plus, we have a Wii gaming system, pool table, air hockey, foosball and computers with internet access, so the drop-in model is come, hang out and play.” For more information, call 604.485.3090, extension 6308.
In partnership with Powell River Employment Program Society, a cooking program has also been added to the lineup of options available at the YRC. Young Adult Community Kitchen drop-in for ages 15 to 25 takes place Mondays from 4:30-7 pm.
“It is going really well and features great food,” says Bradley. “It serves a need for youth and young adults who want to enjoy some time learning to cook together.”
Program coordinator Vanessa Sparrow teaches attendees about healthy cooking and healthy lifestyles. For information about the cooking program, or its carpool and childcare options, Sparrow can be contacted at 604.414.7437.
YRC Sports and Recreation (grade five and up) with Powell River Kings features fun games and snacks from 4-6 pm every Wednesday. Kings players take part in various planned activities during hockey season; other community organizations help fill the gap during the summer months. For more details, call coordinator Patti Rudiak at 604.485.3090, extension 6311.
PRCYFSS has a variety of other supports for youth, including the Young Parents Program that supports young people who are parenting or pregnant. Family enhancement counsellor Debbie van Dok can be reached at 604.485.3090, extension 6310, for more information.
For youth and parents who need a little support to sort out conflicts, a Supported Conflict Resolution for Teens and Their Caregivers program is offered by family enhancement counsellor Shelley Chaney. The program’s goal is to find common ground.
“Shelley works with the youth and parent separately first,” says Bradley. “Then they come together and try to come up with a plan.”
Chaney, who also runs a Support to Parents of Teens group from 6-8 pm every Wednesday, can be reached at 604.485.3090, extension 6312.
Youth Resource Centre at Oceanview Education Centre is located at 7105 Nootka Street, up the hill from Westview Elementary School.
Free city bus passes are available at the Brooks Secondary School office for students who are unable to find transport.
“There is never a cost for any of these programs,” says Bradley.
For general information, call 604.485.3090, extension 6301, email [email protected] or go to prcyfss.com.
