Fenelon Falls Youth Centre Expands With Partnerships

Fenelon Falls: The Loft, the brand new Fenelon Falls after-school youth centre at 30 Colborne St. has had its first full week of operations, but youth after-school programming is not the only service the space will soon be offering. The Loft is operated by BGC Kawarthas (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes), the after-school program running Tuesdays to Thursdays, but during additional work days, and times where children and youth are in school, the building will be shared and rented by two BGC Kawarthas partners; the Ontario Early Years Centre/EarlyON and the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR).

Provincially, EarlyON Child and Family Centres provide opportunities for children from birth to six years of age to participate in play and inquiry-based programs, and support parents and caregivers in their roles. The local EarlyON offers a variety of free programs in various communities throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton. Executive Director of the local EarlyON Pippa Stephenson explained, “We are very excited about this innovative community partnership in Fenelon Falls. While the Fenelon Falls Secondary School staff and students have been welcoming our programs and families for almost five years, we are really looking forward to the outdoor play space that can be an ongoing part of our program now at The Loft”.

In addition, CMHA HKPR will use the location to deliver mental health programs that are more accessible to residents of Fenelon Falls and surrounding areas, continuing their commitment to meeting people where they are. This expansion reflects their ongoing dedication to innovation and partnership, as they seek new ways to make mental health care easier to access across all regions they serve. “When community organizations come together, we create something far greater than the sum of our parts,” said Ellen Watkins, CEO of CMHA HKPR. “This shared space is a powerful example of how collaboration can break down barriers and bring essential services directly to the people who need them.” 

“We’re thrilled to be able to work with our early investors including City of Kawartha Lakes, Homes by Tim + Chris, and now these amazing partners to bring an exciting new presence to the “main street” in Fenelon Falls,” said Amy Terrill, Executive Director. “The Loft will truly become a destination for children, youth, families and the community.”

EarlyON programs will continue to operate free, drop-in early learning programs in Fenelon Falls in this new space on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00-12:00, starting Tuesday, October 14. EarlyON staff look forward to connecting with their ‘regulars’ and also to welcoming new parents, grandparents, guardians and children to their programs. No need to register, just go and join the fun! 

In addition, the BGC Kawarthas after-school program will run Tuesdays – Thursdays, 2:30 – 6 p.m. for youth aged 12-17. They offer the ability to participate in programs, hang out with friends and experience new opportunities, while in an accepting and inclusive environment. There is no cost for attending drop-in, and youth can register for the after-school program on their first visit.

CMHA HKPR will release their business hours for the building at a later date.
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About BGC Kawarthas:  

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 counselling, infant development, music, sports, recreation and adventure programs in the Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough. 

For more information, contact William McGinn, Communications & Marketing Assistant, 705-324-4493 ext.  243 wmcginn@bgckawarthas.com