Grand Opening 360°kids Newmarket Youth Hub
Newmarket, ON: On Friday, MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy attended the Grand Opening of 360°kids’ Newmarket Youth Hub: Breaking Barriers & Transforming Lives. Joining MPP Gallager Murphy was Shanicka Edwards, an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) volunteer to see the results of a $77,200 Capital grant that was awarded to 360°kids by OTF last year.
“For more than 33 years, 360°kids has been an outstanding example of support for at-risk and homeless youth across York Region,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora. “Our government’s investment through the OTF to support the new youth hub with a paid employment program is a great initiative that will provide a positive impact for our local youth who are seeking a future filled with opportunities.”
360°kids was delighted that the day of the Youth Hub in Newmarket had finally arrived, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to breaking the cycle of youth homelessness and providing comprehensive support for youth experiencing homelessness. The hub is set to serve as a dynamic platform for a range of programs and services aimed at empowering youth with skills, resources, and opportunities for financial stability, personal growth, and a sense of purpose.
As part of 360°kids’ commitment to comprehensive support, the Newmarket Youth Hub will be the proud home of its popular Every Bite Matters (EBM) program. This 14-week paid employment program is tailored for youth facing barriers, offering an exciting opportunity for culinary skill development. Participants will embark on a transformative journey, gaining essential culinary skills and building confidence for a successful career path. Funds from the OTF grant were used to help with creating a well-equipped training kitchen by purchasing appliances and other equipment and furniture for the kitchen area.
“We are thrilled to be opening this new 360°kids Youth Hub in Newmarket,” said Clovis Grant, Chief Executive Officer, 360°kids. “The space will allow us to expand our employment programs, particularly our culinary Every Bite Matters Program, while creating a space where young people can come together to learn and build the skills needed to help them overcome barriers. We are grateful for the various partners who made this possible.”
360°kids’ employment programs are designed to address the root causes of youth homelessness, offering a transformative approach to empower young individuals for long-term success and independence. By providing essential skills, resources, and opportunities, it breaks down barriers such as financial instability and lack of job confidence. The hub will be a beacon of hope for youth seeking to build a foundation for a brighter future.
360°kids heartfelt thanks go to all its staff, youth in program and volunteers who helped establish this facility. Special gratitude to PTAG, The Home Depot Foundation Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Municipality of York Region, whose support and funding were crucial in making this Youth Hub a reality.
Egor is a recent graduate of Every Bite Matters, who previously struggled with housing stability and was in need of employment. After becoming involved with 360°kids programs and supports, Egor has gained valuable employment skills and achieved stable housing.
360°kids is a non-profit organization committed to ending youth homelessness by providing a range of programs and services that empower, support, and engage youth. Our comprehensive approach addresses the root causes, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for a brighter future.