Mr. Speaker, I arrived today to draw attention to the SideDoor Youth Centre and the good work that it is doing for the people of Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories.
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Now in their 14th year, the SideDoor provides
shelter and a safe haven for thousands of youth annually. SideDoor began in 1995 in the basement of the Anglican Church in Yellowknife as a hangout for youth who would otherwise be on the street.
Since then it has grown and now offers a number of programs from its own facility on the corner of 49th Avenue and 49th Street. Its programs serve young
people from ages five to 19. The SideDoor’s programs address the needs and services of youth ages 16 to 19 who are too old for child welfare and too young for social assistance and tend to fall through the cracks.
The care and dedicated staff has a passion for youth who struggle in our community. The SideDoor is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. It offers one-on-one counselling, laundry, showers and a place for youth to stay overnight. It enforces a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy and homeless youth who are struggling are encouraged to seek employment and develop skills to help them live independently. Junior SideDoor is a free afterschool daycare service for children from five to 13 to provide kids with snacks, structured and free time activities, and a warm, supervised place to play. Summer day camps offer recreational activities for children free of charge.
The SideDoor’s programs are preventative in nature, giving young people a constructive alternative to the streets, crime or any amount of police activity when what they really need is food and a safe place to rest.
The SideDoor provides safe shelter, emotional support, and increases the health and dignity of downcast and victimized youth.
Mr. Speaker, the SideDoor is located in Yellowknife but regularly welcomes youth from all across the Territory. It is the only youth drop-in centre of its kind in the region. The programs and services are effective and, most importantly, have gained confidence of the youth themselves. The SideDoor is taking care of our young people and they are shaping our future. I would like to thank and applaud them for their dedication to our youth. They are appreciated. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.