ESTEVAN - The Estevan Public Youth Centre has launched a revitalization campaign, and it has benefited from a substantial boost from the energy sector.
EPYC received a $17,000 donation from Kingston Midstream, and another $17,000 from Tundra Oil and Gas recently, for total support of $34,000. The money from the two companies was through the Richardson Foundation.
Dena Bachorcik, the public awareness and community involvement co-ordinator with Kingston Midstream, said the company really identified with EPYC’s mission to connect, engage and empower youth.
"With their space in need of revitalization, both Kingston Midstream and Tundra Oil and Gas wanted to be a part of supporting this much-needed project," she said.
EPYC executive director Merissa Scarlett said when she became EPYC's executive director in the spring, there were a lot of things that needed to be brought up to standard for the facility, located at the intersection of Sixth Street and Souris Avenue South, including area rugs, couches, floor lamps and overhead lighting to make the youth centre feel cozier and more like home.
"We have a great, awesome, big space, but with our overhead lighting at night, it can feel like you're on display a little bit in here," said Scarlett.
EPYC is also looking to upgrade its equipment, such as new air hockey paddles and pool cues. The cost of those items adds up.
"Ideally, as well, we'd be looking at getting a small kitchen area, too, so a sink, dishwasher and countertop, just to add a little bit more to our programming," said Scarlett.
Funding from the two oilfield companies will be directed towards the couches, flooring and the start of the kitchen addition. The contribution exceeded her expectations.
"It was a very great gift in the sense of for me being so new … it really just solidified to me that I am doing the right things in the community and with the youth centre, and it's just a really good vote of confidence that companies and the people of Estevan … have in the youth centre, and the value they see in having it here," said Scarlett.
"I think it really speaks that when the youth come in, to be able to tell them that these companies are investing in them, I think it's just a huge win for everyone."
The upgrades have an estimated cost of $140,000. Thus far, EPYC has received about $40,000 for the campaign.
Scarlett would like to see the revitalization campaign finished this year, but the end of next year is a more realistic target.
Since becoming the head of EPYC, Scarlett said she has been working to create more programs. She was in the schools prior to the end of the school year, connected with the Estevan Comprehensive School, and had a class come in and volunteer their time.
"It's been really great. It really has shown there is a lot of potential in our youth here. We have a lot of youth. And our future is in good hands."
EPYC had 200 visits total in each of May and June, with 65 youths dropping by for the first time. The kids have been coming back and bringing friends, too. Last year EPYC had 130 visitors in May and 115 in June.
Scarlett is also working on building a youth leadership group with Grade 10-12 studnets that will meet monthly. Her goal is to have them take on some of the volunteer roles – spending time with the younger visitors, establishing programs and bringing in new ideas.
"It's really important. I've seen that mentorship already happen when we have some older youths in the centre and we have some younger youth. It's really neat to see how they want to be with the older youths and follow their lead."
She hopes the first meeting can be in September.
EPYC will host a family night in August for youths ages 11-17 to bring their parents, so they can learn about what happens at EPYC. She hopes EPYC can also have some big outdoor games in the rest of the summer.
