Thanks to a grant from the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children (QAF), the Delaware Youth Internet Café will remain open for several months to come.
QAF gave $31,800 to support this valuable program for youth in Campbell River until the end of March 2013.
‘Delaware-We are Always There’ is the name and slogan chosen by the youth for this youth-led project. Delaware is a drop-in program that offers youth a healthy start to the morning, a nutritious breakfast, literacy and pre-employment skill building, and connections to health programs and other services.
The program is available for youth ages 13 - 24 five mornings a week and is located in The John Howard Society of North Island’s Activity Centre in the Campbell River Community Centre.
“This place is a place of positivity,” said a young man who regularly attends the drop in. “It gives focus no matter what happens outside. It’s great to have a place that’s outside of addiction and fun and nutritious.”
A young woman who also comes to Delaware on a regular basis said the service has helped her out with clothing and work. “And the fact that I can have breakfast every day is great,” she said.
The John Howard Society of North Island (JHSNI) operates Delaware in collaboration with Campbell River Literacy Now, Campbell River Family Services, Kwakiutl District Council, Aids Vancouver Island, School District #72, Child and Youth Mental Health – Aboriginal Outreach, Vancouver Island Regional Library, and the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
For more information about the Delaware Youth Internet Café, please contact Leanne McIntee at 250-202-4951.