Youth Drop-In Program, “The Loft” by BGC Kawarthas, Grows into Dedicated Space

AMY Terrill BGC Kawarthas

KAWARTHA LAKES: BGC Kawarthas and Home by Tim + Chris are excited to announce, 30 Colborne Street, beside Home by Tim + Chris, will become the new home of The Loft, the Fenelon Falls drop-in program for youth aged 12-18.

BGC Kawarthas opened the program in February, in a temporary location, in the basement of the Fenelon Falls United Church, operating twice a week, until the end of the school year. At its height, about 40 young people were registered, enjoying cooking, arts and crafts, academic support, personal development and games.

“The church provided us with a great start and now we’re thrilled to move into a space we can dedicate to young people,” explained Amy Terrill, Executive Director of BGC Kawarthas. “This beautiful space is so welcoming, visible to the community and closer to the schools: it's a great combination, to allow us to expand our hours, develop more programming, and attract more support and partners.”

Tim Wisener and Chris Van Lierop approached BGC Kawarthas earlier this summer, about the possibility of giving the youth program a dedicated home. “We know The Loft fills an important role in Fenelon Falls and we think the new space will be an ideal fit. We look forward to further supporting such an initiative for our Kawartha community.”

An operating grant, from the City of Kawartha Lakes, provided seed funding for the launch of the program, in February, and Kawartha Works Community Cooperative and other members of the community have also supported the effort. As it expands, BGC Kawarthas will be inviting additional partners and donors to invest in the much-needed initiative.

The Loft will officially open in its new location in October, operating a drop-in program three days a week. There is no cost for students to attend drop-in. In addition, they’ll add special events, on a regular basis. In the meantime, BGC Kawarthas will get the space ready to welcome students from Fenelon Falls and the surrounding area.

BGC Kawarthas successfully operates similar programming in Lindsay, at its Warehouse Youth Centre. Last year alone, about 500 unique youth came through the door, at the Warehouse. For more information about how you can help with the growth to Fenelon Falls, visit www.bgckawarthas.com/fenelon-falls-expansion.

BGC Kawarthas, formally known as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes, is one of the area’s largest and most diverse child and youth serving organizations. Established in 1970, the Club provides summer camps, before and after school programs, early learning, licensed childcare, child and youth counseling, infant development, music, sports, recreation and adventure programs in the Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough.

For more information, contact Amy Terrill, Executive Director, at 705-324-4493, ext. 107, or at aterrill@bgckawarthas.com.