Junction supported

Brent Mutis - Vernon Morning Star and Richard Rolke - July 27, 2010 7:00 PM
An agency that helps teens through challenging situations is moving towards financial stability. On Monday, both Vernon and Coldstream councils agreed to fund Teen Junction through Greater Vernon’s parks, recreation and culture function. “We support the really important role Teen Junction plays with youth at risk,” said Buffy Baumbrough, a Vernon councillor. The North Okanagan Regional District has asked member jurisdictions if Teen Junction can be added to the function. The non-profit agency, which has been impacted by cuts to provincial grants, would like Greater Vernon to provide $75,000 annually so it can extend its services to 25 hours a week. Just to maintain current operations at 20 hours a week would take $66,000 a year. Teen Junction offers a variety of sports activities, as well as life skills, meals, clothing and an advocate to help youth return to school. “It helps families and in some cases, there is no other help for young people. They have turned around lives for people,” said Patrick Nicol, a Vernon councillor.

Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick was pleased his council gave the go-ahead to funding the Junction and knows it will mean a lot to teens and employees there. “Good, they’ll be happy to hear that,” he said. The BX-Swan Lake electoral area has also agreed to adding Teen Junction to the function. “If the parents aren’t looking after them, we have to get involved. Teaching kids life skills is important,” said Mike Gavinchuk, BX-Swan Lake director. Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, is leaning towards a discretionary grant for Teen Junction instead of guaranteed annual funding because of financial pressures. “With the prospect of Area C having to do its own water delivery, it could be a big hit on the community,” he said. “With a grant, I can give less or give more. It provides some flexibility.” Macnabb believes there should be a mechanism for jurisdictions to determine where money goes, whether it is Teen Junction or the Boys and Girls Club.