GUELPH – A new Grove Hub has opened in Guelph, at the YMCA of Three Rivers on Woodland Glen Drive.
The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario Wellington Guelph and the YMCA of Three Rivers hosted the hub’s official opening on Oct. 21.
Officials ay the new hub would not have been possible without a significant donation from the WC Wood Foundation, a grant from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, and contributions from many other community members.
Officials describe the hub as an “innovative space that brings a new level of support and services to local youth.
“Along with fun and engaging activities, the space offers essential mental health support, including counselling, peer support, and crisis intervention.”
Susan Frasson gave a tearful address on behalf of the WC Wood Foundation during the hub’s grand opening on Oct. 21. The foundation is one of the primary sponsors of the new hub. She said as a mother of four she has a firsthand understanding of the importance of mental health supports for youth and talked about the far-reaching ripple effects that come from youth struggling with mental health. With eyes brimming with tears, Frasson said “on behalf of my family I would like to give my sincere thanks to all of you for creating this and giving us the opportunity to fund this. We are so proud of the work you are doing here and so very, very proud to be involved.” Photos by Robin George
Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Vijay Thanigasalam said the hub “reflects [Ontario’s] ongoing investment in integrated, community-based care ensuring that every young person has access to the services they need, when and where they need them.”
Grove Hubs executive director Jeff Hoffman said, “As we open the doors to our seventh Grove Youth Wellness Hub in Wellington Guelph, we are deeply grateful to partner with the YMCA to reach even more young people.
“This collaboration creates a space where youth can access the support they need for both their mental and physical health, while also finding connection, belonging, and community.
“Investing in the wellbeing of our youth today is essential – not only for their growth and resilience, but for building a stronger, healthier future for all of us.”
The hub was designed with input from local youth and includes programming, a creative maker-space with 3D printers, Cricuts and other crafting tools, study areas for homework help, the Y’s Back on Track (formerly Alternative Suspension) program and a lounge for socializing and gaming.
YMCA of Three Rivers CEO Mike Ennis said, “Every step we take to break down barriers to belonging strengthens our entire community.
Attendees – Among the attendees were, from left, Bryer, Roiwan and Michelle Garon-Nielson. Michelle said she works at the YMCA and has heard lots about the Grove Hub and thinks it will be a great space for her children to spend time.
“This partnership is truly special, and we’re excited to see it come to life with the support of our friends at the WC Wood Foundation.”
Youth from 12 to 25 years old can drop in to the hub Monday to Friday, 11am to 7pm, no YMCA membership needed.
The Grove’s goal is to build a more effective health and social service system, through integration and collaboration, to better meet the needs of youth in Wellington County and Guelph.
Grove hub services include education and career support, counselling and peer-to-peer programs.
