“Our home base is our safe haven. It is the place from where we can grow and nourish our bodies and minds. It is a place where we can be our authentic selves, where we can learn, play and find support. It is a space that grounds us and shapes us into the best human beings possible”
The base is the foundation on which growth is built, it is the point from which something can develop, on which other things rest or are supported. It is the structure on which something draws or depends.
BONDING: our community many of our neighbours are struggling with difficult situations and families need the support of their community to break isolation and provide some relief. A close-knit community that cares for each other can overcome challenges, whether it be through sharing resources, having an encouraging conversation, offering help or simply listening; everyone needs to know that they are not alone. Everyone can contribute to take care of all the members of our family and ensure that everyone is happy, healthy and safe. It is essential for the youth in our community to have a sense of belonging and feel that they are valued. Building a sense of community increases safety and resilience; when people have a sense of belonging they are more comfortable asking for help, taking risks and sharing their truths.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Young people are active agents in our community whose talents to spark positive change must be fully recognized. They come to the table with knowledge acquired at school, in their families, in their cultural communities and through their own agency. They are problem-solvers and inventors and stakeholders in a sustainable future. Youth must be recognized as agents of change and viewed as critical actors in preventing and resolving conflict. They have the capacity to understand local problems and participate in finding solutions and must be given opportunities to participate fully in a democratic society. Acknowledging the positive contributions of youth re-writes the social norm and rhetoric that youth of minority communities are destined for failure. Investing in youth ensures that in years to come the decision makers of our society will have necessary skills to deal with new challenges and the ever-changing world.
STABILITY: Many of the families we work with struggle to offer their children a stable environment. Whether it is due to changing family structures or challenges related to poverty or immigration, our clientele is highly vulnerable. The Loyola Centre is for many of our youth the entity that is most stable in their lives. We strive to make our community centre a place where the youth have a sense of ownership and belonging, and for many, it is the place that they consider home.
EQUITY: All youth should have equal opportunities to reach their full potential. However, low-income families, youth with disabilities and new immigrant families need extra support to level the playing field. Community centres working with vulnerable clienteles need access to resources to be able to ensure that youth are able to overcome barriers and have the same opportunities as other members of our community. All children and youth should be allowed to participate in social, leisure, sport and educational programs that are developed to respond to their specific needs. Financial and material support must be provided by the various levels of government to ensure that services are accessible to all members of our community.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Young people are active agents in our community whose talents to spark positive change must be fully recognized. They come to the table with knowledge acquired at school, in their families, in their cultural communities and through their own agency. They are problem-solvers and inventors and stakeholders in a sustainable future. Youth must be recognized as agents of change and viewed as critical actors in preventing and resolving conflict. They have the capacity to understand local problems and participate in finding solutions and must be given opportunities to participate fully in a democratic society. Acknowledging the positive contributions of youth re-writes the social norm and rhetoric that youth of minority communities are destined for failure. Investing in youth ensures that in years to come the decision makers of our society will have necessary skills to deal with new challenges and the ever-changing world.
STABILITY: Many of the families we work with struggle to offer their children a stable environment. Whether it is due to changing family structures or challenges related to poverty or immigration, our clientele is highly vulnerable. The Loyola Centre is for many of our youth the entity that is most stable in their lives. We strive to make our community centre a place where the youth have a sense of ownership and belonging, and for many, it is the place that they consider home.
EQUITY: All youth should have equal opportunities to reach their full potential. However, low-income families, youth with disabilities and new immigrant families need extra support to level the playing field. Community centres working with vulnerable clienteles need access to resources to be able to ensure that youth are able to overcome barriers and have the same opportunities as other members of our community. All children and youth should be allowed to participate in social, leisure, sport and educational programs that are developed to respond to their specific needs. Financial and material support must be provided by the various levels of government to ensure that services are accessible to all members of our community.
What we need:
Quality infrastructure for our community
600 youth use the services of the Loyola Centre annually. They have been displaced in the past, and are at risk of being displaced again.
The youth largely come from families who are struggling financially. A community centre is a safe place where they can feel valued and can get support
The youth and families of the Loyola Centre want permanent, quality community infrastructure in the Loyola sector to answer to the needs of the population.
Click here for the history of our infrastructure
Quality infrastructure for our community
600 youth use the services of the Loyola Centre annually. They have been displaced in the past, and are at risk of being displaced again.
The youth largely come from families who are struggling financially. A community centre is a safe place where they can feel valued and can get support
The youth and families of the Loyola Centre want permanent, quality community infrastructure in the Loyola sector to answer to the needs of the population.
Click here for the history of our infrastructure
