NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
Lennox & Addington hub increases access to services for area youth
Partners and media invited to open house at new Youth Hub
Kingston, Ontario (March 19, 2019) – The United Way has been working on a collective impact initiative with community partners on a plan to prevent and end youth homelessness in KFL&A. Recognizing that unique solutions are needed to address the unique needs of rural youth, a committee of local service providers in L&A was brought together, and based on input from youth in L&A, a plan for a youth hub was developed.
United Way and Prince Edward Lennox and Addington Social Services (PELASS) worked together to secure space at the Memorial Building in Napanee. L&A agencies planned a multi-service collaborative place to provide needed services for youth aged 16-24 in the L&A region. This low barrier space will bring 21 organizations together to support youth. It will give youth an opportunity to easily access multiple service agencies in one location, through a community approach to wraparound care.
“Many services are being offered by agencies in Lennox & Addington. Although, we heard from youth that many did not know about these services and access to them is not easy, particularly for youth who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless and/or precariously housed,” said Bhavana Varma, President and CEO of United Way KFL&A. “We believe that this new hub will make services more accessible for youth and help prevent youth homelessness in the area.”
The space is modeled after One Roof in Kingston, which opened in October 2017 and has been extremely successful in serving youth who are street-involved, homeless or in need of services, but didn’t know how to connect. In its first year, One Roof has served 215 unique youth with the help of 27 partner organizations, with financial support from the United Way.
Agencies, youth and media are invited to an open house at the new L&A Hub on Friday March 22, 2019 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Hub is located at the Memorial Building, 41 Dundas Street (Robert Street Entrance), Napanee. Light refreshments will be provided.
About United Way
United Way works with individuals, organizations and key partners to build and strengthen our community, bringing people and resources together to facilitate change. Our vision is a future where people are self-sufficient in a community, where individuals live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. Visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca for more information.
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Media Contact:
Bhavana Varma
President and CEO, United Way KFL&A
613-542-4751 ext. 1101
Partner Organizations
- Addiction & Mental Health Services
- Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board
- Boys & Girls Club of Kingston & Area
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Career Edge
- Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac Lennox and Addington
- Girls Inc. Limestone
- Lennox & Addington Interval House
- KFL&A Public Health
- Kingston Literacy & Skills Napanee
- Kingston Youth Shelter
- Limestone District School Board
- Maltby Centre
- Mohawks By The Bay of Quinte
- Morning Star Mission
- Napanee and Area Community Health Centre
- Prince Edward – Lennox and Addington Social Services
- Resolve Counselling Services
- Y2KFLA
- Youth Diversion
- Youthab Inc.
Watch Global News piece on the Youth Hub
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