Routes Youth Centre

Ashley Greenwood and Paul Reeves from Routes Youth Centre presented on the Power of One - the difference a community, a service club, a youth centre or an adult mentor can have on a youth as he or she receives a voice of reason and support.

The Routes Youth Centre located at the Salvation Army Dundas site has both casual and structured programs for youth aged 7 to 19. This past year over 100 youth were regular participants taking part in programs like Girls Night Out and Boys Night Out where they talk about issues such as anger management, body image, and self worth. They also take part in the Routes Reaches Out program where participants logged over 450 hours of volunteer service.

Many of the youth lack continuity in their lives. They are not accepted, have home problems or are bullied. Others just want a safe and friendly place to hang out and play pool and video games. Some of the youth are making steps to go back to school, move on to post secondary education or look for jobs.



Ashley stated that the act of friendship between a mentoring adult and a youth is a positive and powerful tool. She closed by asking us to watch a video showing her charges expressing why Routes Youth Centre is working for them.