Many Cochrane residents have been asking about the status of the Safe Couch Program and YESS (Youth Emergency Support Services). The Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area developed the programs with funding through Alberta Rural Development Network (ADRN). In the past year they helped over 25 youth who were either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Recently, the club has decided to make some adjustments to their financial model and have asked Cochrane Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) to collaborate with them to keep the momentum going on this valuable project. Together we will help youth find safe housing and ensure their basic needs are met, support them to stay in school and find employment and connect them and their families to supports such as counselling.
The Boys & Girls Club has assisted youth aged 14 - 21 with housing issues. Along with this help, there is also a great need to assist families with issues that are preventing them from having successful relationships and/or from reuniting with their child.
Our local steering committee for the Safe Couch and YESS project are meeting soon to evaluate the work that has been done and make a plan for going forward. We are also hosting a community meeting to discuss the plans on Thursday March 10 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area. If you are interested in this project or have supported it in the past please come out to hear about the program accomplishments and ideas for continued development.
