CONNECT YOUTH

I know quite a few of us nominated Connect Youth this quarter so I’m thrilled our nomination was drawn.  During these difficult COVID-19 times there are a great number of financially desperate organizations who are calling for rescue.  But this time I feel it’s our young people in trouble who need us most.

Connect Youth’s mission is to assist, support and refer young people in need.

To do this they have developed three main programs:

The first, the CORE PROGRAM provides a safe space for youth to access social and recreational activities, life skills education, as well as basic needs such as food, clothing and toiletries.  The Connect Youth staff assist young people to bridge the gap between their needs and available community services.  Not only do they provide the information about the available services but staff also help navigate the system, provide transportation and even accompaniment when needed.  This collaborative response allows Connect Youth to solve issues of housing, financial stability, food security and mental wellness support.

The second, provides guidance to the WELLNESS ACCESS FOR YOUTH OR”WAY” PROGRAM which is a collaborative made up of service providers who refer and support mental health addictions services for children and youth aged 12-25 years of age.  WAY’s goal is to increase access to safe, efficient, effective, timely and equitable integrated mental health and addictions services.  A staff member of Connect Youth serves as the Navigator for youth needing access to the WAY program.

And thirdly, the HOUSING PROGRAM which is designed to provide temporary (21 day) accommodation to homeless youths aged 16-25.  Connect Youth now has 5 emergency apartments (2 in Brockville, 1 in Prescott, 1 in Spencerville and 1 in Kemptville).  During their stay youth are giving basic needs items, life-skills training and referrals to community agencies with transportation and accompaniment as needed.  Connect Youth currently has a wait list for their housing program, which has resulted in a need to expand their outreach services.  Since April 1, 2020 there have been 78 referrals to their housing program and staff have engaged in 688 supportive interactions with youth.

Connect Youth does have funding provided by United Way, United Counties of Leeds & Grenville and Reaching Home which is a federal program.  However, the reality is their daily programming expenses far exceed their funding.  They rely heavily on donations.  In addition, COVID-19 has increased the need for youth to possess cell phones in order to remain connected to supportive agencies.  Cell phones for youth are a significant and necessary expense for Connect Youth at this time.

Any funds received from 100 Women Who Care will be used to purchase basic need items for youth in their housing programs (groceries, clothing, hygienic care and household items, fees associated with purchasing identification such as birth certificates and tech support (eg SIM cards).

Connect Youth is offering much needed support and housing for our homeless youths.  I feel it’s time we offer them our support by voting for them this time and showing we care.

Thank you.