By Scott Roblin

Youthopia a difference maker for disadvantaged youth

May 16, 2017 | 4:49 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Teens and young adults leaving the foster care system or without a stable home are receiving a roof over their heads courtesy of the McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association.

On Tuesday, McMan held the grand opening and open house for ‘Youthopia,’ a new apartment complex used to help transition former foster care kids and underprivileged youth into the adult world.

Kaitlin Affleck and Samantha Renwick have known each other since childhood, and moved into the 2nd Street location within a day of each other in March.

Renwick said it’s been a life-changing space for those who have moved in.

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“I was in foster care until I was 16-years-old,” said Renwick. “And then, I moved into what was before the Youthopia was ‘Launch Pad.’ And, once we moved here it was like ten times better. I’m finishing my education, I’m working, I’ve always got food, and shelter above my head.”

Sharing space with the tenants will be two resident workers, who will live in the building as well.

McMan’s Youth Program Supervisor Britni Chambers said they will provide support when needed.

“They can come down in the morning, have coffee, and have someone to talk to throughout the day,” said Chambers. “If they ever have any concerns, there’s always someone here they can connect with. And, the youth themselves have really built a community in and amongst themselves, which is really great to see that they’re doing that.”

Affleck, who was not part of the foster care system but lived as a community youth, echoed many of the same sentiments.

“We’ve grown some pretty good bonds between each other, we spend a lot of time together,” said Affleck. “They’re always there for me and I hope I’m there for you guys quite often.”

Medicine Hat Councillor Celina Symmonds was on hand for the ribbon cutting, along with members from the Chamber of Commerce.

Alcohol and drug bans are in place for at-risk youth, but staff say they’ve had no issues to this point.

Chambers added the goal is to provide these young people with the one thing missing in their lives, stability.

“Youth need a place to belong, a place to call home and to find that family, whatever it might look like for them,” she said. “So, that’s what we’re really trying to provide here, is that family and that home-like environment.”

The furnishings inside the apartments were funded by local corporate donors, to the tune of $1,500 per unit.