Cara Loverock
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, November 14, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Since September, the SideDoor Youth Centre has been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"The goal and vision of the board was to have this facility open on a 24-hour basis," said SideDoor executive director Garry Hubert.

Spencer Heslep, program co-ordinator, left, Garry Hubert, executive director and Iris Hamlyn, member of the board of directors of SideDoor Youth Centre. The SideDoor Youth Centre is now open 24 hours. - Cara Loverock/ NNSL photo

He said more youth have been coming in since the centre expanded its hours, and in one day up to 100 or 120 kids may come in.

The current goal, said Hubert, is to implement a life skills program as well as a youth employment centre.

The centre runs a number of programs, including an after-school program for kids ages five to 13 and a senior youth drop-in, as well as a fathers and sons program, which is similar to the Big Brothers program.

"We deal with the highest risk youth in Canada and this is the only centre that's for this type of youth," said Hubert.

He said that the centre not only takes in youth from Yellowknife, but also from communities such as Lutsel K'e, Hay River and Inuvik.

Up to six youth between 16 and 19 take advantage of what is called the Living Room Program.

With the centre remaining open overnight, youth have a place to sleep, and can get a shower, a meal and counselling the next day.

It has been in operation since summer and receives funding from the City of Yellowknife, Health and Social Services and the Homelessness Coalition.

In what Hubert describes as a "crack in the system," children under 16 in need of shelter can be sent to child services and youth over 19 can receive welfare.

"From 16 to 19 they've got nowhere to go," he said.

"We've made a real good start and we see real potential to have an impact on youth's lives," said Spencer Heslep, SideDoor's program co-ordinator.

With the centre being open all day and all night, there are concerns that some youth might take the opportunity to skip school.

The centre is open during the day to youth not currently in school, or those who have been kicked out, but those who are supposed to be attending will not be allowed in.

"We want to see kids in school," said Heslep.

He said the centre works with the education system and families to assist and encourage youth in making the right decision, but cannot force kids into school.

Heslep said the centre provides a positive alternative to hanging out on the street.

"We do our best not to enable, but we don't turn kids away," said Heslep.

The centre has been in operation for 11 years and is trying to break away from the misconception that it is just a place for kids to just hang out.

The centre offers counselling, programs for social development, recreation, literacy, arts and crafts and spiritual development and guidance, if desired.

"Now we're seeing more results and a steady improvement," said Heslep.