CDYC Update

September 1, 2010

Castlegar and District Youth Centre Faces Closure

Due to an unexpected funding cut by the City of Castlegar, the popular Castlegar and District Youth Centre is facing a complete shut down by September 15. 

“Over the years, the Youth Centre’s services have been funded by the City of Castlegar, the RDCK and numerous short term grants.  We rely heavily on the annual core funding of $24,000 we receive from the City to provide the range of services to young people in this community,” says Jim Fisher, Executive Director of the Kootenay Family Place, host organization for services at the Youth Centre.  “Without consultation and completely by surprise, this essential core funding was eliminated in June and to date, we have been unable to secure other sources of revenue. As a result, we are facing the unfortunate closure of the program by September 15,” says Jim.  “The core funding from the city made it possible to apply for grants from other sources such as the BC Government Community Gaming Grants. Without that core funding, those grants are no longer accessible to us. The closure will end an important service to children and youth in our community, and trigger the loss of highly skilled and dedicated staff who cannot easily be replaced.”

The Castlegar and District Youth Centre has been in operation for over 10 years providing innovative, youth driven programs such as “Peers Are Here”, a youth mentorship program, “Open Mike Nights” and “Summer Cool Camps”.  In addition, successful partnerships have been forged between the Youth Centre, local schools and many other community organizations bringing programs and services to youth who otherwise would not participate in organized activities.

 “We continue to receive support and funding from the RDCK that dates back to the citizen approved Referendum in 2001. However, the amount of those funds that we receive is inadequate to operate the program in its current form” says Fisher.

For clarification, this funding cut will NOT impact the Castlegar Youth Employment Service which operates from the same location and receives ongoing funding from the Provincial Government’s Ministry of Housing and Social Development.

Kootenay Family Place is a non-profit, community social services agency providing services and supports to children, youth and families.  This agency employs over 55 people and has supported the residents of the West Kootenay/Boundary for over 37 years.  

The Columbia Basin Trust and the City have partnered to hire a Consultant to help develop a Youth Strategy and Long Term Plan for Castlegar Youth.  We are unsure if this will include KFP services or not.  Please give your input by taking the online survey.

http://youthcore.ca/castlegar/

Questions?  Contact:
Jim Fisher, Executive Director
jimfisher.kfp@telus.net
250-365-8448 ext 229