Drop-in Centre Meets Needs of Local Youth
There are no barriers to entry. No registration fee. No discrimination. For the past year, The Salvation Army Pembroke Community Church has been home to community youth ages 12 to 18 who come together to hang out, meet new friends and have fun in a safe and healthy environment.
In 2011, after moving around to different locations for more than three years, The Pembroke Grind Youth Centre found a permanent home at The Salvation Army. Weekly programs provide recreation, tutoring, mentoring and encouragement.
Programs include, but are not limited to: Monday night music lessons where, instead of paying monetary fees, youth are required to “pay-it-forward” through volunteerism back to the community; The Grind Café. On Friday nights you’ll find teens playing appropriate video games, foosball and air hockey; IMPACT, a youth mentoring program matches young people with a mentor, for a minimum of one hour a week, to help them reach their goals and potential.
In addition, scheduled events throughout the year include concerts featuring local and touring bands, skateboarding demos, breakdancing, pool and interactive discussions with guest speakers. “Monthly meetings are held with speakers who address topics and direct teens to the help they need,” says Grind coordinator Jerry Novack. “And we don’t shy away from the hard subjects.”
The Grind has also launched a new program, “This is Our Story.” Drop boxes at various locations throughout the community allow teens to anonymously submit struggles they are facing, from bullying to depression, abuse or eating disorders.
Furthermore, last summer a skate park was added to the list of the centre’s services. “Skateboarding was recognized as an area of interest among youth in Pembroke,” says Novack. Opening the skate park, which throughout the winter months resides at an indoor location, fosters fitness among youth and gives them the opportunity to have fun in a safe and positive environment while meeting others with similar interests. Several expert skaters from within the community have joined the team as dedicated volunteers, often showcasing their skills for the youth.
Salvation Army Church Pastor, Captain Robert Spurrell says: “Our goal is that every teenager should have the confidence, competence and connections needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life and contribute positively to society. One by one the Grind is making a lasting difference in the lives of Pembroke’s youth.”
For more information on The Grind Youth Centre, visit: thegrindyouthcentre.ca
