FERNIE YOUTH FOUNDATION

The Fernie Youth Foundation (Business Registration Number: 827012600RR0001) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth, particularly those at risk of conflict with the law, in the Greater Toronto Area. Its mission centers on helping young people flourish and contribute to safer communities by providing various programs geared toward safe housing, open custody, community reintegration, and employment readiness.

Programs and Services

The foundation offers several core services aimed at rehabilitation and empowerment of youth:

• Residential Services: Providing safe and stable housing for youth who have encountered or are at risk of involvement with the justice system.
• Open Custody: Supporting youth in custody with programs designed to foster responsibility and self-care.
• Employment Readiness: Preparing youth with skills and opportunities for meaningful employment to aid in their reintegration into society.
• Community Reintegration: Assisting youth in transitioning back into the community with support and resources to promote positive outcomes.

Funding and Initiatives

Fernie Youth Foundation has received substantial financial support to enhance its programs. Notably, it secured a $25,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) aimed at improving youth justice services through innovative technology solutions. This funding is intended to augment connectivity and support for youth within the community.

Another significant contribution came from the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, which donated $200,000 to support a pioneering 16-week music therapy program. This initiative targets racialized and justice-involved youth, providing them with access to mental health care and skill-building opportunities.

Impact and Philosophy

The foundation recognizes the challenges faced by youth who are unhoused or involved with the justice system, emphasizing that creating strong, resilient youth is more effective than trying to repair damage later in life. It operates with the guiding principle attributed to Frederick Douglass: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."

Location

The Fernie Youth Foundation operates primarily in the Greater Toronto Area, providing localized services to youth in need.

This summary reflects the foundation’s commitment to youth welfare through a continuum of care that includes housing, custody support, employment, and community integration, all aimed at fostering safer, healthier communities[1][2][3][5].