January 28, 2025

Deep caring and concern inspires new West Grey Youth Centre

BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — A new and exciting startup recently launched in the Municipality of West Grey and can be traced to very humble beginnings.

It was in May of 2023, when West Grey youth started gathering at Harvest Table Billiards in Durham. They were hungry, so Connie Karlsson began preparing meals for them. Over time, the youth were taught how to play board games and pool. Cooking classes developed and the group delved in arts and crafts projects. Over the course of the year, 24 youth participated and parents greatly appreciated their kids' involvement in these activities. Local organizations stepped up to help too. The Durham Baptist Church donated snacks and pop, Durham Foursquare Gospel Church donated good food baskets and Chicory Common Natural Foods provided vegetables and dry goods.


It wasn't long before it became clear that a dedicated space and formalized programs needed to be implemented. In April, 2024, four West Grey residents — Robin Rich, Connie Karlsson, Kathryn Assaff and April Barker — formed a Board with the vision of providing a safe and inclusive haven for local youth, offering fun and informative classes for kids to take part in at no cost to them or their families. They reached out to many experts in the youth services field, including Jenny Hanley of the Hanley Institute in Flesherton, Jeremy Rhodes of Elephant Thoughts in West Grey and Rebecca Broderick of the Launch Pad in Hanover. With their help and guidance, the group began formalizing their organization.

In August, 2024, the West Grey Youth Centre received not-for-profit incorporation status and fundraising officially began. In November of last year, they held an event showcasing local musicians at Harvest Table Billiards in Durham and raised $1,000.


To gain further support and spread the word, presentations were made to local churches, the West Grey Durham Lions Club and Municipality of West Grey Council, and the response was enthusiastic. Councillor Geoffrey Shea commented, “I’ve lived here for 35 years. There’s always been a need for youth services.“ Said board member Robin Rich, “It’s our goal to one day have our own forever home so that we can eventually offer programming five days-a-week.“ She explained that the Youth Centre will help bring kids from five local schools together in a communal space where acceptance and inclusion are fundamental.

Rich cites local statistics: 20% of youth in our region live in poverty and many more suffer from bullying. Rich adds that “We have a deep caring and concern for our youth and their future. Together we’ll aim high!”.


In March 2025, West Grey Youth Centre will launch their first cooking program for Grades 7-8 with the goal of expanding the program to include Grades 9-12, and offer music and sports activities.

In anticipation of opening, they’re looking for a Social Media and Communications Manager, a Program Coordinator, and various committee members. To make a difference in your community, contact westgreyyouthcentre@gmail.com.

 

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