Yellowknife (Oct 22/04) - Teens experiencing problems at home will have a safe place to spend the night thanks to a new program set to be launched later this month by a Yellowknife charitable organization.

The Side Door Youth Centre is preparing to debut the first overnight drop-in program in the city. The program is designed to be a temporary haven for teens whose parents may be intoxicated or abusive.

"We have seen a need for a program like this for years," said Ryan Peters, executive director of Side Door.

Teens will be able to spend a night at the centre. The following morning a youth worker will explain their options, Peters said.

The drop-in program is one of several initiatives being launched this year by the Side Door.

Peters said the organization also hopes to offer a walk-in clinic geared specifically towards teens. The clinic would offer free advice and a host of medical services including testing for sexually transmitted diseases, Peters said.

"Often, teens don't feel comfortable going to a family medical clinic or the hospital," he said.

"This will give them a chance to get medical help."

Along with the clinic, Peters said the centre will offer a pre-employment program designed to prepare teens for working in the real world.

Staff and volunteers will help kids learn where to look for jobs and how to write resumes and cover letters.

The centre also plans to open an Internet cafe to give kids hands-on experience with working in a restaurant setting. Peters also hopes to develop a long-term plan to help educate teens with learning disabilities.

"We've got a lot of exciting things on the go," said Peters.

All of the organization's initiatives will be carried out under the umbrella of Christian outreach.

"Body, mind and spirit are the essential aspects of humanity," Peters said. "We want to give youth a chance to expand their horizons as well."

Peters has been Side Door's executive director since January 2003.

He said the organization is "alive and well" after the rowdy behaviour of some teens -- which resulted in five charges of assault -- forced the centre to temporarily close its doors roughly two years ago.

The organization now has a full board of 15 directors, which makes it easier to create programs and fundraise, Peters said.