The Redcliff Youth Centre is seeking an exemption from the province so it can safely reopen to provide service and support to vulnerable youth. (CHAT News Photo/Colton McKee)

By Chris Brown

Supporting youth

Redcliff Youth Centre seeking provincial exemption to reopen

Mar 8, 2021 | 12:20 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – For some the Redcliff Youth Centre is a place to hang out, play games and do homework. But for at-risk youth, it’s a safe space where they can get access to supports they need.

“We’re worried about all of our kids for sure but we certainly have a handful of kids that we know that home isn’t necessarily a safe place and that they are more at risk and more susceptible to fall into risky categories unfortunately,” says Janae Ulrich, Redcliff Youth Centre executive director.

The centre is seeking an exemption from the province to safely reopen so they can provide those supports and is asking for help.

“We have reached out to the community and reached out to our parents, guardians and youth to provide letters of support in hopes that we can find a way to reopen and re-integrate our programs and services in a safe manner,” says Ulrich.

Ulrich says letters can be sent to the centre or to the office of MLA Michaela Glasgo, whose office Ulrich says has been great throughout the process.

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

5h ago

POSTAL STRIKE

Donations to Medicine Hat non-profits drop over Canada Post strike

5h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

13h ago

Ulrich says the centre has been completely renovated to include separate entrances and exits for various cohorts to keep the junior and senior high demographics safely separated and still have access to the programs and services.

“We just feel like there’s no reason why we can’t safely re-integrate our programs seeing as we feel that they are essential to our youth and our youth and our families are feeling the same way.”

She says the centre provides a safe, substance-free and constructive environment for all youth ages 10-17. It’s an inclusive environment for all youth to engage in their social and emotional growth and development and community engagement, she adds.

Among the most important offerings that people outside the centre may not realize is a food security program for the youth who need it.

“This place provides a home-like atmosphere for those youth and youth that might not be getting meals at home,” Ulrich says. “We know that our meal program provides sustainability for those youth. They can come here, access our hot lunch program, our dinner program and then just have access to supports.”

Supports include one-on-one mentorship with staff at the youth centre or connecting those youth to the resources that they may be in need of or in search of.

Ulrich adds they also work with families to determine supports may be needed in terms of mental and physical health and then makes connections to where the resources are available.

Learn more about the Redcliff Youth Centre on its Facebook page.