Click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.
Representatives from the YWCA stand with local MLAs Alana Ross and Kevin Kasun and Justice Minister/ Attorney General Tim McLeod. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)
By Nigel Maxwell
Healthy communities

Prince Albert YWCA receives $500K from province to support vulnerable youth

May 27, 2026 | 5:33 PM

A provincial funding announcement aims to help keep vulnerable youth in Prince Albert off the streets and out of jail. 

Over the next four fiscal years, $500,000 will go to YWCA Prince Albert. At a Wednesday afternoon news conference at Gateway House, CEO Donna Brooks told those in attendance youth are vulnerable. 

“That’s when they’re impressionable, that’s when they want to belong somewhere and they want to be loved, and if you don’t get them then the gangs will,” she said. 

The funding will allow YWCA Prince Albert to offer essential supports free of charge for youth aged 12 to 17. They include safe, supervised housing, counselling and mental health supports, substance-use recovery services, life-skills and personal-development programming, and connections to education and employment. 

YWCA CEO Donna Brooks stands alongside MLA Alana Ross and Justice Minister Tim McLeod.
YWCA CEO Donna Brooks stands alongside MLA Alana Ross and Justice Minister Tim McLeod. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)
Healthy communities
Prince Albert YWCA receives $500K from province to support vulnerable youth
47m ago
Tourism Week
Prince Albert Métis artist helps city celebrate Tourism Week with interactive art piece
1h ago
Spring melt 2026
McArthur River/Key Lake back to full production after floods
1h ago

In 2024-25, 77 per cent of youth using the service showed improvement in life skills related to financial literacy, personal management and managing substance misuse. 

“We could not do that without government support,” Brooks said. 

The renewed funding builds on $1.8 million provided over the past three years to YWCA Prince Albert for enhanced residential services that support stable housing and programming aimed at helping residents build skills, improve well-being and transition to greater independence and positive life outcomes. 

“Our government is proud to stand with YWCA Prince Albert as it continues to provide crucial supports and opportunities for youth and families who need them most,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said. “These investments reinforce our commitment to helping young people find safe shelter and appropriate services that address challenges, develop life skills, reduce reoffending and contribute to a stronger, more resilient Prince Albert.” 

YWCA's Gateway House is located in the 1800 block of Central Ave.
YWCA’s Gateway House is located in the 1800 block of Central Ave. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross also attended the announcement. 

“I want to acknowledge Donna and her team, and all the frontline staff and partners who show up every day for youth when they need stability, guidance and support the most,” Ross said. 

Ross said that when young people feel safe and supported, they are better able to make healthy choices and build stability in their lives. She added the investment supports proven programming that helps youth feel connected, valued and supported in their community. 

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

What's Trending

Healthy communities
Prince Albert YWCA receives $500K from province to support vulnerable youth
47m ago
Tourism Week
Prince Albert Métis artist helps city celebrate Tourism Week with interactive art piece
1h ago
Spring melt 2026
McArthur River/Key Lake back to full production after floods
1h ago
Significant Legacy
Mark Odnokon remembered for influence on and off the ice
1h ago
'No small feat'
Victoria Hospital expansion hits 1 million worker hours in Prince Albert
3h ago