Teen Junction acquires firm funding base

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: May 20, 2011 1:00 AM

A group that helps youth-at-risk now has a stable source of funding. The North Okanagan Regional DistrictBoard agreed Wednesday to include the Teen Junction youth centre in Greater Vernon’s parks and recreation function.  “It allows them to concentrate on delivering services and not fundraising,” said director Jim Garlick.  “You have to look at the big picture and we want to help young people become functioning members of society.”  Teen Junction provides a number of services to disadvantaged youth between the ages of 14 and 18, including recreation, meals, clothing and an advocate to help youth return to school.  Referrals are also made to other local services such as housing, counselling and addiction treatment.  “It’s a social service and at some point, we have to fund these things,” said director Mike Macnabb, adding that there is an impact on the community, such as crime, if issues regarding youth aren’t addressed.  Teen Junction almost closed last year because of a lack of funding. Vernon, Coldstream, BX-Swan Lake and BX-Silver Star participate in the function which also includes the Boys and Girls Club, the arts centre, the art gallery and the museum.  They will provide Teen Junction with $66,000 this year.  While he supports Teen Junction, Macnabb admits there is a concern about costs climbing over the years.  “The budget will have to keep coming back to the board for consideration and we will monitor it so it doesn’t get out of hand,” he said.  Teen Junction officials are pleased to be a NORD function.  “Stable funding will make a significant difference to how Teen Junction serves at-risk youth in the future,” said Debbie Schiller, executive director.  “The timing of this coincides with the death of Greg Schroeder, the driving force behind our first youth centre and the Teen Junction building.  Greg knew before he died that NORD funds were almost a certainty.”