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Since opening in October, the Portage Youth Hub has been growing steadily. But with the arrival of summer, its impact has accelerated. With expanded daytime hours, increased programming, and a growing team, the Hub is drawing in more youth than ever.
Shaye Lernowicz, program coordinator at the Hub, says this summer marks a major milestone.
“Over the summer, we've opened up our programming to incorporate daytime programming,” Lernowicz notes. “We know a lot of youth have the summer off and nothing to do.”
The Hub now offers a wide variety of drop-in activities — from arts and crafts and screen printing to dance, mural painting and Muay Thai martial arts — all free of charge. Transportation, food and drinks are included, and the space is open to youth aged 12 to 29.
“We’re keeping up with our Youth Council to connect with all the youth over the summer,” she adds.
A safe place and a listening ear
Randy Lilley, peer coach at the Youth Hub, says many youth who come in for programming end up asking for help in other areas of their lives.
“Some kids will come in for a program and then mention something that they need,” Lilley says. “Whether it’s filling out a form, getting some sort of identification, or talking to a counsellor, we can help them with that.”
The Hub offers both structured programming and casual spaces for youth to connect, relax, and open up to staff.
“We provide them with the opportunity to do arts and crafts or some sort of physical activities,” Lilley continues. “If there happens to be a subject that they're struggling in, we can help with that as well — budgeting, learning opportunities, communication skills. It’s all there.”
First summer sees spike in traffic
As the first full summer of programming gets underway, both staff members say attendance is rising fast.
“We're actually seeing a lot more youth coming through the door — youth that we even haven't seen before,” Lernowicz says. “They're really engaging in the programming.”
Attendance at some events has even exceeded capacity, with youth waiting for a spot to open later in the evening.
“There have been multiple programs where we've had to say, ‘We're full. Come back in an hour,’ and then they return and keep cycling through,” Lilley says.
Open swims at Splash Island are now available in July and August, providing free admission and transportation to help youth cool off and connect with friends.
Youth shaping their own space
Youth input is central to the Hub’s mission. Through the Youth Council and feedback boards, teens are helping shape what the Hub offers and how it operates.
“We ask what sort of programming they want,” Lilley says. “We have a big sticker board that has a bunch of ideas, and the Youth Council helps us shape the future.”
The approach allows youth to take ownership of their space while learning leadership and communication skills.
“Some of these kids are coming up with ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of when I was a teenager,” he adds. “It’s cool to get them to help us come up with programming.”
Safe space, transportation and inclusion
Safety and accessibility are key priorities. Programming is tailored by age group to ensure younger and older youth connect with peers in appropriate settings. Staff also arrange rides to and from events, using agency vehicles and a local taxi service when needed.
“We run two separate groups so that kids and their peers are connecting within their age categories,” Lernowicz says. “Safety is a number one priority.”
The Hub’s relaxed atmosphere makes it easier for youth to engage on their own terms. Some drop in for snacks, colouring, or quiet social time. Others return daily to build friendships.
“We had a youth say, ‘I don’t want to be stuck on my phone all summer. I want to talk to people,’” Lilley adds. “So they ride their bike to the Hub, come in for a snack and chat, and have fun.”
Open door, no registration required
The Portage Youth Hub is located at 1200 Saskatchewan Avenue West, next to Fort la Reine School. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Most programming is drop-in, with some requiring advance sign-up if numbers get too high.
“There are a few days we’re closed for various reasons, but we have the calendar on our website and on social media,” Lilley says.
Parents and youth alike can check out upcoming events at portagecrc.com or follow the Youth Hub on Facebook and Instagram. Program details also appear on the Portage Online community calendar.
“We just want kids in the door,” he adds. “If they want to drop in for a drink and a snack, they can. Even if they’re not staying for the program — we’re just here to provide.”
Youth Hub hosts packed July lineup for Portage youth
Free programming, food and transportation offered through July 31
The Portage Youth Hub is offering a wide range of free programming for youth aged 12 to 29 throughout the rest of July, with all supplies, transportation, food and drinks provided.
Creative and cultural workshops continue
On July 10, the Youth Hub will host "Cultural Programming with Parents" at the Family Resource Centre from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The following day, July 11, youth can participate in sage gathering during "Medicine Picking" at the Portage Friendship Centre at 11 a.m. Martial arts classes in Muay Thai with James Donald return that evening from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at RRC Polytech.
Monday, July 15 features “Medicine Pouch Making with Tynan” from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., while the popular “Art & Creativity Workshop with Kalene” continues every Wednesday evening, including July 16 and July 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Youth can also help design a Youth Hub colouring book during “Create Your Own Colouring Book with Rene Harder” on July 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fitness, dance and mural painting
On July 18, Muay Thai with James Donald returns from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a community mural painting session at Fort la Reine Museum on July 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“Dance Session with Jacinda” returns on July 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Youth Hub. Then on July 25, youth can learn beadwork techniques during “Fringe Earrings with Justine” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The month wraps up with a second mural painting session at Fort la Reine Museum on July 29 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and “Swimming with Stride” at Splash Island on July 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The final event is another session of “Paint the Town: Window Painting with Rene Harder” on July 31 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
All activities are drop-in, and youth are encouraged to attend as often as they’d like. The Youth Hub operates Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 204-240-8559 or email youthhub@portagecrc.com.