The Portage Youth Hub has been steadily growing since opening its doors almost six months ago. The free programming and drop-in supports are designed to meet the needs of youth aged 15 to 29.
Programs run throughout the week
The hub offers activities Tuesday to Saturday, both at its main site and off-site locations. On Thursdays, programming takes place at Red River College, including access to tools like 3D printers, an industrial sewing machine and a Cricut machine.
“We're really getting into things,” said Mari Kozar, executive director of the Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Project. “We have programming five days a week, so Tuesday to Saturday, you can find our calendar online and there's all kinds of things to do.”
The Hub also works with partners like Youth for Christ to reach young people at the local skate park and offer cold drinks and connection.
Building mental health support
Alongside programming, the Hub offers on-site wellness counselling. Youth can drop in to get help with mental health, housing, food access or simply talk through what support they might need.
“I am a wellness counsellor there. I work with the youth,” said Rachel Hennan. “Maybe it's that we need to set some goals and work through some mental health struggles that they're having... and then relationships are being built and friendships and connections.”
A strong team behind the scenes
The Portage Youth Hub team includes wellness counsellors, cultural facilitators and program staff, many of whom also coordinate events and outreach.
“Youth means 15 to 29. So it's not just teenagers,” said Kozar.
All services and activities offered at the Hub are free.
- with files from Brittany Boschman