Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society granted $25,000 to Carrier Sekani Family Services to assist with the development of Foundry Burns Lake.
Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and wellness services for young people between the ages of 12 and 24.
Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society granted $25,000 to Carrier Sekani Family Services to assist with the development of Foundry Burns Lake.
Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and wellness services for young people between the ages of 12 and 24. There are currently thirteen operating Foundry’s across BC, with six centers in development, including one in Burns Lake. In partnership with Carrier Sekani Family Services, Foundry Burns Lake will offer Foundry’s core services, and a drop-in centre operated by Carrier Sekani Youth Services. This will extend the age range to 29 years, and offer a variety of programming and social services to support young people in living a good life. While Carrier Sekani is an Indigenous host agency, Foundry is a centre for all youth Indigenous and non-indigenous, regardless of their background. Here, youth can access mental health care, substance use services, physical and sexual health care, youth and family peer supports, and social services all under one roof.
In each community, Foundry looks different, but the purpose remains the same. As a service agency, Carrier Sekani Family Services blends Carrier knowledge with western practices to create effective models of care. The centre will be influenced by Carrier culture to create a comfortable, inviting, and culturally safe space for all youth and their families.
Foundry’s are operated by host agencies throughout the province, these agencies are innovators in health and social services within their respective communities. The Foundry Brand is recognized as a leader in youth services in BC, providing a cornerstone for community agencies to work together in partnership rather than competing for scarce resources.
Ground-breaking on the Burns Lake Foundry will take place in April.
Quotes
Dr. Travis Holyk, Carrier Sekani Family Services Executive Director of Health Services
“We believe that Foundry, as a network of community-based health and social services for young people is well suited to the unique geographic, economic and demographic of Burns Lake – and we are thrilled to be building this new facility to help the young people of this region thrive. We wouldn’t be able to do this work without the generous contributions from foundations like the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society which will make a major impact on the capital build of Foundry Burns Lake.”
Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
“Foundry Burns Lake will provide services that are key to the health and well-being of youth from all backgrounds in the Burns Lake area. It will help them with the support needed for a positive start in life. The Province is pleased to provide funding for this type of service which shows how community groups can work together to build a stronger future for people in the Burns Lake region.”
Cindy Shelford, NKDF Chair
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to support the new Foundry in Burns Lake. The health and well being of residents and especially that of the youth is critical to building strong, vibrant and healthy communities. This is a welcome service to Burns Lake and we look forward to the ground-breaking.”
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