A new hub for Delisle youth
[attach]3904[/attach]On Feb. 24, 2011, I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of The Studio of Delisle Youth Services in North Toronto. The new centre is a 230-square-metre space designed by youth, for youth recreation, counseling workshops and a home away from home.
The Studio is located at 40 Orchard View Blvd., in the same building as the Northern District Branch of the Library and the home of Delisle. When the space became available, both organizations got involved to help the Youth Advisory Committee create a youth-friendly place. I congratulate the bright team from the youth committee and Delisle for the opening of this supportive place for young people in our community.
The after-school studio has many functions including a multi-use common area, arts studio, three counselling rooms, an eight-station computer hub, accessible washroom and kitchenette. There are many recreational activities, like theatre, art and dance, but The Studio also offers a safe place for kids in crisis. Delisle can help these youth access confidential counselling and referrals to other community agencies when necessary.
Delisle Youth Services has been helping youth in the community since 1973. Delisle’s strong roster of programs includes individual counselling, youth groups, programming in schools, day programs and housing for youth in crisis. Last year, Delisle served 2,631 children and youth. Like Delisle’s programs, this space can help at-risk and marginalized teens become a part of a supportive environment and build healthy attitudes.
Helping young people get a good start makes the neighbourhood a safer place. Ontario’s Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, through the Safer and Vital Community Grant program, provided $20,000 for the studio project. The Ontario Trillium Foundation donated $150,000 for creating the multi-use space and enhanced access to after-school, recreational and expressive arts programming at the studio.
In addition to Ontario government support, many community organizations have come together for this youth-led project including the Toronto District School Board, Northern District Branch of the Library, Volunteer Toronto, Toronto Police Service 53 Division, Toronto Crime Stoppers and the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH).
At the grand opening, I met youth who are involved in the neighbourhood and excited to have a voice in the creation of The Studio project. They are young leaders who are making positive changes in the community and I am looking forward to hearing about their events and projects at The Studio.
