WHO ARE WE?
The House is a non-denominational youth centre that has dedicated the last five decades to serving the community by supporting, encouraging, and empowering youth. This is done through a variety of outlets for self-expression, recreation, creativity, and community service. The lessons and the life skills that they are gaining through our program are crucial elements on their journey to becoming independent, productive, and influential members of our community.
The House was founded in 1971 by Father John Ware, who was a priest and a clinical psychologist, when he saw the need for a youth centre. His vision was a sort of second home for the “in-between kids” – those who were too old for childish activities, but too young for all the adult responsibility. He saw that the journey from childhood to adulthood can be littered with challenges and emotional pitfalls. It occurred to him that young people needed something beyond the educational and athletic atmosphere. The House quickly became that something.
A lot has changed in our world since 1971, but the fundamental needs of youth has not. Our unique peer support system remains overwhelmingly unchanged from what was designed by the first groups of volunteer leaders over 50 years ago. The House strives to maintain an atmosphere that is welcoming of all youth, regardless of their culture, beliefs, ethnicity, or lifestyle. We run weekly peer-support meetings for youth in Grades 9-12; these meetings are geared to address issues that our youth are currently facing. These meetings provide a non-judgmental forum for youth to explore what is going on in their world, how they feel about it, and what can be done.
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
As we move forward into our #Next50Years,
here’s what to keep in mind!
Prior to the Pandemic, The House YC lost a big and longest-standing funder. Our Board of Directors worked tirelessly to re-strategize our own way forward in a wildly uncertain time. Now, we’re in our new home (The Amherstburg Community Hub), with a full-time Program Director, and are having a fantastic time rebuilding and growing the organization!
We are continuing to focus on the collective needs of the youth we serve while simultaneously building and re-building community partnerships. The Program Director and Program Committee are designing new and innovative ways to meet the progressive needs while diversifying the manner to which we deliver our programs and services.
The House strives towards another 50 years in order to support the youth in our community and surrounding areas. The manner to which we can support has broadened. The House has taken on the task to bridge the gap between programs and services by making mental health services more accessible in our county.
We are fully funded by donations and fundraising initiatives. Our vision of helping today’s youth become tomorrow’s leaders is not possible without your support.
MAKE A DONATION
Give easily and safely with Canada Helps. Sign up for monthly donations of any amount, and you can give without thinking about it again all year. You might not even notice a few dollars every month – but we definitely do!
The House is a registered charity, meaning your donations are eligible for tax receipts. Donating this way is a HUGE help for us – when we know how many community donations are expected each month, this helps our volunteer Finance Committee plan better and make sure all of our money is used effectively.
