MEDICINE HAT, AB – For Casper Pill-Rushmere, the last few months have provided some much needed stability.
Without a permanent home and living on a friend’s couch, Pill-Rushmere moved into Youthopia in August.
That has allowed the 22-year-old to connect with other young people in the same boat.
“Since all of us are around the same age, we’re all able to get along and connect in ways.”
Opened by the McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association six months ago, the eight-apartment complex helps underprivileged youth in Medicine Hat transition into independent living.
Youth Program Supervisor Britni Chambers said they’ve had very little turnover since the grand opening.
“We’ve only had one person move out so far and they moved into another community placement, which is kind of what this building is for right, to help them bridge that gap,” said Chambers. “Everyone else [who’ve] moved in have not left yet, and generally they want to stay.”
Through a grant from Home Depot, a fully-furnished outdoor patio was constructed in July, while a breakfast program launched in October has been able to feed both Youthopia residents and those utilizing McMan’s Youth HUB.
But the biggest change came in the basement, as Youthopia’s aging laundry room was transformed into a new recreation room for residents after months of work.
Chambers said it’s a huge boost for the facility, with money for the project being donated by the Marlyn Wright Enrichment Fund.
“It was everything from electrical, drywall, some plumbing work, and then actually painting it and making it look really beautiful and homey,” said Chambers. “So, I know the youth have loved it.”
Pill-Rushmere shared many of the same thoughts and said there’s plenty for Youthopia residents to enjoy in the new rec room.
“It was just being built, or just finishing being built, when I moved in,” said Pill-Rushmere. “So, I didn’t really get to experience what it was like before, but I love it. I love having the chess, having the workout equipment back there.”
Many of the residents come from the foster care system, while others are community youth without a permanent place to call home.
Ever since the doors to Youthopia opened back in May, Chambers said she’s seen a community form before her eyes.
“Knowing that there’s other youth here that they can connect to has been really fantastic,” she said. “Building friendships that I hope will continue to grow inside this building. And, it’s that sense of stability and that they know that they have a home.”
And for Pill-Rushmere, Youthopia provides much more than just a roof and four walls.
“I feel more comfortable,” said Pill-Rushmere. “Like I can be who I am, do what I want, have no limits to it.”
Projects in 2018 for McMan include renovating another apartment and finishing work on a communal kitchen.
CHAT News caught up with Chambers and Pill-Rushmere to speak about how the facility has helped people since it opened.
Watch the full story tonight at 5:30 p.m.
