After reading all the articles on the Youth Strategic Plan for 2015, I believe it is time for another perspective. I am a youth of St. Albert and have been one for the 18 years of my life. I have grown up in this community, seen the ups and downs, and always did my best to be a part of it.
I have been part of the BAM (Building Assets and Memories) for youth group, for about three years now. BAM is my second home. When I say this I don’t mean there is a physical place I can go, but I have gained unlimited support, life-lasting relationships and ongoing love from the youths I work with in the community. That is home to me.
When Mr. Childs stated in his response to the ‘youth hub’ that, “… BAM is a great organization and does a lot of good things but it does not serve the needs of a segment of our youth community that is probably the most in need of a facility to call home,” I have to disagree.
BAM may not be for every youth in our community, and we would be ignorant to think that it was. But to assume that the youths involved with this program are not at-risk youths or used to be, is just as ignorant. We not only run constant sessions with the youth in our community about mental illness, depression, addiction, and more, but also within our own group.
Not just every youth, but every person is different and interacts with people in different ways. Developing this Youth Service Hub is a step towards helping the unique youths in St. Albert and is not designed for people to ‘hand out brochures’ to at-risk youth. Sure, the information will be on paper for youths to read, some may find that more helpful, but there will also be FCSS employees and youth, like myself, in the facility to give counselling services, group discussions/programs and positive interventions. This way we are giving the youth options to what they are comfortable with. As a youth, I would feel more open to going to this facility knowing that I have a choice in what to participate in.
Services that this place can provide focus on creating positive peer relationships and adult role models. That is an amazing first step in helping at-risk youth feel self-worth and a strong sense of value. In comparison, providing a place where youth can ‘hangout’ will not give them these services to help them move through their problems.
I’m not saying that every youth is going to prefer the ‘Hub,’ but I do truly believe the Youth Strategic Plan is trying to reach out to as many people as they can.
We cannot judge a youth on their appearance, attitude, or involvement in the community, we can only treat everyone equally and reach out our hands to every, single youth.
Mikaela Annich, Sturgeon County
