The downtown Keremeos Youth Drop In Centre project has an initial boost from a local donor who has contributed $1,500 as well as another $4,000 in a matching funds challenge.
The current fundraising goal is $10,000 to establish the Drop In Centre as a six-month pilot project starting this spring.
“Once up and running we will enlist broader support through grant funding while continuing to enlist local support,” said Dave Cursons of The PEACE Program.
The PEACE acronym stands for Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment. PEACE offers formal counselling for those 18 years and younger.
Since October 2018, the PEACE Program has hosted a late afternoon and early evening drop-in each Tuesday at The Family Centre at 310 Veterans Ave.
The Family Centre is also host to a variety of day programs for all ages.
The new Youth Drop-in Centre will keep after-school and early evening open hours with weekend openings for scheduled events.
Related: Group working on Keremeos downtown youth drop-in centre
Volunteers are needed. Volunteer support will be enlisted. All adult volunteers will have the usual criminal records check for those working with kids.
Youth Drop-in Centre managers will be the employees in The PEACE Program at Lower Similkameen Community Services Society who presently have a coordinator, counsellor and an activity worker with funding from The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“We’ll be able to offer regular opening hours as soon as we settle on a location and assure that the setting is safe, comfortable and supervised,” Cursons.
Funds will be drawn from the $4,000 matching fund. Whenever there is a new $500 contribution, for example, it is turned into a $1,000 lift to the Youth Drop-in Centre.
“We’ll be counting on the community to pick up on this matching funds challenge,” said Cursons.
Tax creditable receipts will be issued from Lower Similkameen Community Services Society, a registered charity with Customs and Revenue Canada.
Contact the PEACE Program at 250-499-2352 Local 107 for information about the project and to make a contribution.
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