YAK Youth Services Unveils New Kitchen Thanks to Capital Grant from Ontario Government
May 21, 2024
Perth, ON – On Friday, May 17, local MPP John Jordan met with the YAK Youth Services (YYS) team to learn more about the $23,300 Capital grant they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant was used to make much-needed improvements to the Perth Community Services Hub’s kitchen facilities and increase their capacity to alleviate food insecurity among youth in the community.
“We all know the kitchen is a gathering place for family and friends. With this funding for upgrades to its kitchen, YAK Youth Services will continue to empower youth to stay connected in their community, while providing a safe and welcoming space for them,” said John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. “Organizations like YAK enrich the lives of many young people in our riding. That’s why I’m proud that they are receiving capital funding support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This support will enable them to better serve youth and continue to make a positive difference.”
Thanks to this Capital grant, YYS was able to transform their kitchen space, providing a more functional and inviting environment for the young people they support. The installation of new cupboards will allow for better storage of essential supplies, equipment, and ingredients, thereby facilitating the smooth operation of YYS’ various youth-centered initiatives.
“We are immensely grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support,” said Rachel Roth, Executive Director of YAK Youth Services. “These kitchen upgrades will not only improve our operational efficiency but also create a more welcoming space where young individuals can engage in learning, socializing, and skill-building activities.”
YAK Youth Services is a Not-for-Profit Charitable Youth Organization located within the Perth Community Services Hub and which is focused on the well-being of local youth through a variety of support services and connections. YYS provides assistance to local youth in building opportunities, supports, resources, information, training and encouragement, while strengthening youth voice and promoting awareness on youth issues. Programs at YYS include Youth and Parent Referral Services, Day Camps (6-10 year olds), Food Security Initiatives, Tutoring, Community Response Action Projects, the Perth Youth Centre, Perth Community Services Hub and Youth Service Provider Trainings.
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships.
Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston
www.johnjordanmpp.ca
john.jordan@pc.ola.org
613-284-1630
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