Join CMHA Cowichan Valley at the Grand Opening of Open Door Youth Services Centre. Light refreshments will be served and MLA Sonia Furstenau will be in attendance to cut a cake prepared by our crew at Bikeworks.
In addition to receiving food, clothing and shower and laundry services at the Open Door, youth are able to speak with a nurse or schedule an appointment with a nurse practitioner, make use of counselling services, receive help with addictions and connect with caring and welcoming staff. All services are free of charge.
Young people who find themselves on the outskirts of supports and services are aided by mobile Youth Outreach Workers who provide a bridge to supports in the community. They work in teams of two to cover the Cowichan Valley on foot or in the Youth Outreach mini-van to supply homeless youth with such necessities as water, food, clothing, tents, blankets, and even basic first aid. When not working at the Open Door, the nurse or nurse practitioner often rides along on these visits.
Many of these youth are in the early days of addiction and homelessness. Given the right supports, they would have the potential for recovery and to lead full, healthy lives.