New Youth Program to Open in Listowel
Successful United Way North Perth Campaign Supports Local Need
Successful United Way Campaign Enables New Youth Mental Health and Additions Program to Open in Listowel
When volunteers from North Perth first gathered in January 2015, no one knew how it would all turn out. Gathered by the United Way Perth-Huron, nearly 15 North Perth Residents were tasked with discerning the most important social problems facing the region. After several meetings, reviewing local research and connecting with social service providers, the volunteers agreed that youth mental health and access to services were the regions’ top priorities.
Just over a year later, after a successful fundraising campaign for these new priorities in North Perth, United Way is pleased to announce that Choices for Change will open a new youth mental health and additions program “Crossing Bridges”, in September 2016.
“It’s been a great journey” noted Ed Hollinger, North Perth Campaign Chair, “Anytime we can have more services in our community, the better it is for us. And for it to be centered on youth mental health and addictions – such an important issue, I couldn’t be more pleased.”
“The community of North Perth was incredibly generous”, says Ryan Erb, Executive Director. “Even with other important fundraising occurring, like the arena and the new day care facility, donations to United Way increased by more than 300% providing enough resources to sustain other programs in the region like Big Brothers and Big Sisters while helping us to partner with Choices for Change and open a new program.” shared Erb.
Catherine Hardman, Executive Director for Choice for Change, spoke of the new planned location, “Choices for Change is excited about the opportunity to expand our very successful youth outreach program to the North Perth area with the support of the United Way. We are looking forward to working with the community to ensure we are meeting the needs of young people in North Perth.”
The United Way North Perth Committee members are Patricia Berfelz, Sharon D’Arcy, Cheryl Mann, Amy Sauage-Gangl, Todd Skiller, Kriss Snell, Nancy Rothwell, Kimberly Kowch, Roxy Rae, Blair Burns, Ed Hollinger, Debbie Miller, Virginia Dunbar and Ryan Erb.
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For more information or to set up an interview with Ryan Erb, Executive Director, call 1-877-818-8867 or 271-7730 or email info@perthhuron.unitedway.ca.