The Primary Goal of the Youth Program

The primary goal of the UMAYC Initiative is to create a network of urban Aboriginal youth centres to support and assist urban Aboriginal youth in enhancing their cultural, economic, social, educational and personal prospects.

Mission Statement 
The Port Alberni Friendship Center is dedicated to provide a welcoming gathering place, to respect and strengthen Aboriginal and other community/cultural traditions. We are committed to enhance healthy lifestyles of individuals, families and community. We are committed to ensure programs, services and activities are culturally sensitive, flexible, promote independence and are responsive to community needs.

We offer these services with compassion and integrity.

Child & Youth Support Program
The Port Alberni Friendship Center has been providing services to the Port Alberni community since 1965. The Child & Youth Support Program began in July 1999. These services are available to children and youth ages 10 to 24 in the Port Alberni area. The Child & Youth Support office is located in the youth room adjacent to the Clutesi Hall at the Port Alberni Friendship Center.

What services are available to you?

• This program has been created to provide a warm and caring environment for children and youth to express themselves.
• We provide services to children and youth who are in need of support, counselling or advocacy.
• We connect youth with various resources in the community.
• We assist with mediation between youth and their families who may be in conflict.
• We provide support in education and peer support.
• We have additional support for youth who are supported in independent living. We identify, assess and develop appropriate intervention strategies for "at risk" youth.
• We liaise with schools, bands, NTC, Youth Health Centre, Child & Youth Committee, Family Health Centre, Health Unit and other referral resources.

Who can use these services?
The services provided by the UMAYC program and the Port Alberni Friendship Center are available to any child or youth. These services are available in person or by phone. Support services are available to all children and youth at no cost. Youth is considered up to age 24. When would you come in for support?
 

• When you need someone to listen to you.
• When you would like some help finding information on issues such as; stress, relationships or other issues.
• When you need counselling or support.
• When you need someone to be with.
• When you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to.

Youth Team
Dan Jensen - Youth Program Coordinator
Darlene Leonew - Youth Worker
Hank Gus - Youth Enhancement Worker

Hours
Wednesday and Thursday: 1:30pm - 4:30pm and 6:30pm - 10:00pm
Friday: 7:30pm - Midnight
Saturday: 5pm – Midnight