There’s new life for the Dryden Youth Centre.
The facility on Albert Street was briefly open during the Summer with nothing but positive results but was forced to close due to the loss of a government grant for a Youth Centre Coordinator position.
The Kenora District Services Board and the City of Dryden are teaming up to offer the funding for the position.
The joint agreement will see both parties contribute $23,400 over a 12-month period for a total salary of $46,800 plus benefits.
The Coordinator/Facilitator position will be a KDSB full-time, contract position, with the successful individual reporting to the KDSB Early Years Supervisor and the Youth Centre Advisory Board.
The KDSB has approved the funding, while Dryden Council is expected to give its final stamp of approval on October 28th.
Dryden’s Chief Administrative Officer Roger Nesbitt says”the successful candidate will be responsible for the planning, coordination and implementation of effective youth programs. They will plan activities and workshops that foster a positive environment within the Youth Centre, encourage and promote a supportive and inclusive environment for youth ages 11-16 and work in cooperation with individuals and groups in the community to determine the variety of programs that can be provided.”
He adds the individual will also oversee all Youth Centre volunteers.
Nesbitt says the agreement is a win for everyone involved.
“The Youth Centre is a priority strategy within our Community Safety and Well-being Plan. Supporting that plan is a Council priority within our Strategy Plan. Supporting this funding agreement and re-opening the Youth Centre. It really does play directly into the Municipal Strategy Plan that we are developing.”
Nesbitt notes this is only a short term solution as a multi-agency committee will be looking for a long term fix.
“Continue to look for sustainable funding for the Youth Centre, with the intent of reducing the overall financial burden for those contributing partners currently. The more funding partners we can pull together, the less burden it is on any one organization.”
