Youth services in the East Kootenay have expanded with the grand opening of a new Foundry facility in Cranbrook.
The facility is meant to provide free, confidential services to young people between 12 and 24, along with their families and caregivers.
“Children and youth are facing a lot of challenges, and we are ensuring that supports are available for them to be healthy, both physically and mentally,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
“This new Foundry centre is a vital part of this effort, providing Indigenous youth and all young people in the East Kootenay region with access to culturally relevant care and support to help them live healthier lives.”
B.C. officials said the facility is operated by the Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Child and Family Services and is the first Indigenous-led Foundry in the province.
Colin Sinclair, Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Child and Family Services CEO, said the facility is a welcomed addition to the community.
“We know our youth are hurting and to have an asset like this, where they can come in and get the help they need, it’s going to be huge,” said Sinclair.
“One really good thing going for us is that we’re close to the high school and Laurie Middle School. It’s going to be big for the youth in our area.”
The facility will serve youth from Cranbrook, Fernie, Creston, Invermere, Golden and surrounding areas with a broad range of services.
B.C. officials said this will include mental health and addiction support, physical and sexual health care, peer support and social services.
Sinclair said the new Foundry included plenty of consultation from local youth.
“The beauty of this building is that it was built by youth for youth. They picked the contractor, the lot and the design,” said Sinclair.
The building is located at 100 12th Avenue South and bears the Ktunaxa word “tÌ“ikxawiȼikimik” (for all things to be connected) above the main entrance.
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