Teens and local leaders gathered Saturday to support local youth mental health and the under-construction Foundry Sea to Sky youth hub.
The new youth centre will be on the ground floor of Spirit Creek Building, previously known as the Buckley Avenue Project, and is set to open its doors in Squamish in 2022.
About 100 youth, their families and supporters watched the film Connecting the Dots, a 55-minute documentary by Toronto filmmaker Noemi Weis. This film was the first in a "Spark the Connection," series that is part of Sea to Sky Community Service's (SSCS) public engagement campaign to raise awareness about — and funds for — the hub.
The total campaign goal for Foundry Sea to Sky is $2.2 million. The capital cost for the facility is $1.63 million.
The funds will go toward the construction of the Foundry building and to unfunded programming costs.
"Through extensive consultation with health care providers, partner organizations and our local youth we identified unique opportunities for programming and services that Foundry Sea to Sky will support. As a result, we are raising funds to offer 'add-on' programming for recreational use, social services, additional sessional hours for physicians — for issues such as eating disorders — and unique programming such as Indigenous healing, outdoor therapy, and access to good nutrition for vulnerable youth," said Kim Konnert, SSCS communication's manager in an email to The Chief.
"We will also be consulting with partners and youth to find ways to offer pilot services in Whistler and Pemberton. These additions are beyond the scope of our substantial Foundry BC funding, but we know they are important for youth throughout the corridor."
The event Nov. 6 at Howe Sound Secondary was hosted by youth from the Foundry Sea to Sky Youth Advisory Committee.
"I want my friends to know that there will be a safe place for them to go — for help or to hang out," says Ali Hedberg, Foundry Sea to Sky Youth Advisory Council member. "This film series is a great way to bring my friends together, to talk about these important issues, and to learn more about the new centre."
The former Squamish Youth Resource Centre, which was previously located beside the under-construction Foundry, was closed in March of 2020 due to costly plumbing repairs.
The aging building was later demolished.
There are currently 12 Foundry centres open in B.C., though that number is set to climb to 19 as more are completed.
The new 6,000 square-foot Foundry Sea to Sky will be for youth 12 to 24.
It aims to be a space where they can hang out and take in recreational activities or access mental health, medical care, substance use support, peer support, and social services.
According to the news release, the public engagement campaign aims to get more locals of all ages involved in Foundry-related activities between now and its summer opening. In addition to the film screening, there will be a youth carving workshop led by Squamish Nation artist Art Harry.
Led by Sea to Sky Community Services, the creation of Foundry Sea to Sky also involves Vancouver Coastal Health, Ministry of Children and Family Development, the District of Squamish, Divisions of Family Practice Sea to Sky, Options for Sexual Health, Squamish Nation and Sea to Sky School District #48.
Find out more at www.FoundrySeatoSky.com.
