A consistent theme that has continued through the life of the Evolve NB (Battlefords Youth Engagement Initiative/Youth Voice Project) was the wish of the youth to have a space that provided flexible programming, opportunities to hang out with their friends, and easy access non-judgmental supportive adults – a safe place for them to be supported, be celebrated as youth, have their voices heard, strengthen their friendships, and to explore curiosities.
Youth had also continued to voice that they wanted to be able to find a variety of supportive adults (Adult Allies, mentors, and other community supports) in these spaces.
In January 2022 following the strengthened programming partnerships that were able to develop throughout this initiative and opportunities following the pandemic, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Battlefords (BBBSB) and Concern For Youth (CFY) began the background work of launching the Shared Spaces Project to renovate and enhance the lower level of the house that CFY rented the upper level of. Property owner Brent Menssa (Synergy Ventures) was on board and excited from the start to go on this journey with us.
BBBSB took the lead in grant writing for this project and in June 2022 our first funder – Red River Mutual’s Spruce Up Your Story – gave Phase 1 the ability to start!! Renovations began with our contracting team, Jety Builders, in December 2022 to create the space for the BBBSB staff office, a storage area, and two open youth engagement/mentorship/hang out spaces. Soon we had the support of BATC (Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs) to continue to fund the project to completion of this first side.
Telus Friendly Futures Foundation added to the cool things that youth will find in the space with their grant award (March 2023), allowing us to purchase an Infinity Game Table, games, and snacks for the hang out area.
April 1, 2023 we welcomed our first visitors to the renovated space, which feature fun coloured walls (with paint colours approved by our youth!), bright lighting and windows, all new electrical, and a custom designed snack counter. Plants donated by one of our Big Sisters and friends have also moved in and are taking advantage of the sunshine.
Phase 2 is now fully funded thanks to the CN Rail Stronger Communities Fund, The Home Depot Community Development Grant, the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund, and Farm Credit Canada’s AgriSpirit Fund. We hope for it to be welcoming it’s first programming in February 2024!! 🙂
