A SnapShot Description

When was the Square One Youth Centre Opened ?
The Centre held its Grand Opening on May 4, 1996.

Why was the Square One Youth Centre created ?
Because the youth of our community need:

• A central location which helps them access the full range of services that exist in our community.
• A central, inviting place which offers unique programs, courses and opportunities for young people to work for a better community.
• An informal, youth friendly multi - service resource facility that can serve as a base for youth led charitable and community projects.
• A place where community resources can be organized to counter the growing sense of despair and hopelessness felt by many of our youth. A place that can: address the high youth unemployment rates; increase self esteem and confidence; build hope for the future.

Who Leads The Square One Youth Centre?

• The Centre is led by a volunteer Council comprised of youth, representatives of business and agencies that work with young people, such as both local school boards, the Peel Regional Police, the United Way, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee and others. This diverse partnership ensures that adequate expertise is available throughout the Centre and that duplication is avoided.
• The Centre has two of it’s own highly-trained, professional staff members, a team of over 50 trained youth volunteers and staff from local agencies ‘scheduled’ on a regular basis.
• The Centre also has a hard-working Youth Council with 40 volunteer members, ages 12 to 24, who help design programs and events, outreach projects and who influence the way the Centre is administered.

What Kinds of Programs Are Offered At The Centre?

• Volunteer Program ( youth driven initiatives; support to Centre programs; leadership and guidance to fulfill the Centre’s Mission).
• The T.E.L.L. Program (a stay-in-school program, in partnership with the Peel Board of Education).
• A Retail Training co-op Program (building employability skills and a bridge to job opportunities within the shopping centre ).
• "Say Snow" (in conjunction with the City of Mississauga and the Square One Older Adults Centre - offering youth part-time winter employment and senior support).
• Ambassador Program - Public Speaking/Presentation Skills (in conjunction with the Toastmasters Club International and the SOYC Ambassador Program).
• Employment Counseling (SOYC Volunteer Program in conjunction with Human Resources Development Canada and the Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre).
• Health and Sexuality Counseling (in conjunction with the Region of Peel Health Department).
• Community Collaboration Team ( local youth serving agencies providing staff to the Centre to ensure greater access and counseling resources for Peel youth ).
• … and more!

How Is The Centre Financed?
Hammerson Canada Inc. has donated 3000 sq. ft. of space and local businesses have helped by donating construction costs (labour and materials). Donations from: the private sector; the United Way; other agencies and foundations; student councils and other youth groups; and concerned citizens are helping to establish the Youth Centre.

Are Donors Recognized For Their Generosity?
Absolutely! The Centre has a Donor Recognition Program which outlines what recognition/acknowledgment a donor can count on for each level of sponsorship and of course, charitable tax receipts are issued for all donations over $10.

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