(Government of Saskatchewan/submitted)

By paNOW Staff

Helping Hand

Government opens new youth drop-in centre in Prince Albert

Sep 12, 2024 | 6:00 AM

The Government of Saskatchewan and support groups in Prince Albert are celebrating the opening of a new drop-in centre made especially for youth.

Thanks to a partnership between the government, the Prince Albert Youth Advisory Team (YAT) and Prince Albert Outreach, the new centre provides a safe space for young people aged 12 and up and is located inside the Gateway Mall.

The centre will be ran by Prince Albert Outreach and offers improved access to a wide range of community social services, including cultural, educational, training and health programs.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to the Prince Albert Youth Advisory Team and Prince Albert Outreach for their leadership in establishing this drop-in centre, which will provide support to young people as they transition into adulthood,” Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said.

“The Government of Saskatchewan deeply values the voices of youth, recognizing them as experts in their own lived experiences. We appreciate the insights and guidance provided by our youth advisory teams in shaping services that empower and engage youth as they move forward from care.”

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The Ministry of Social Services is providing a total of $135,000 this year to support the development and operation of the youth drop-in centre, along with over $196,000 in annualized funding going forward.

An additional $500,000 in new funding was previously announced as part of the 2024-25 Provincial Budget to increase the support for youth transitioning from care across the province, to access housing, employment and educational opportunities.

“On behalf of the staff of PA Outreach Program Inc. and the Board of Directors, I want to thank the provincial government and Ministry of Social Services,” Prince Albert Outreach Executive Director Bill Chow said.

“Since 2002, our programming has been able to help the youth of Prince Albert and area. The opening of the Youth Drop-in Centre represents a continued commitment to make a difference for the youth of Prince Albert and area.”

Similar services are available for youth through partner organizations in Saskatoon and Regina as part of the Ministry of Social Services’ multi-year youth engagement initiative to provide connections to an array of services directly supporting youth as they transition from care and build their independence.

The Prince Albert Outreach Program is a community based inter-agency initiative whose mission is to provide a safe environment for the youth of Prince Albert. They encourage youth to make choices that improve their quality of life and help themselves reach their full potential.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com