Watch above: It has become part of the fabric of Saskatoon society. Joel Senick recalls the beginnings of Egadz Youth Centre and finds out what hurdles it has overcome to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
SASKATOON – Saskatoon’s Downtown Youth Centre is celebrating 25 years of helping at risk youth through various programs and services. A celebration barbeque took place at the centre, also known as Egadz, on Wednesday afternoon.
The organization opened its doors in 1990 as a drop-in centre that targeted at-risk youth who were hanging around downtown Saskatoon. It has since grown to include services and programs that aid anyone from young mothers to those impacted by the sex trade.
“They’re so credible in the services that they supply,” said Donna Harpauer, the provincial minister of social services.
“They have always delivered.”
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Egadz wasn’t always a well funded organization. Its executive director said there were times throughout the years when he thought the centre would have to close its doors.
“Our bags would be packed or I’d have my little box and my co-worker did and then the funding would miraculously come through,” said Meikle.
Which is good news for Cree Crain, who said she first stepped foot in the centre at age 11, roughly a decade ago.
“I was like, I guess in the youth criminal back then,” said Crain, outside of the centre as the celebration went on inside.
Crain now lives and mentors in one of Egadz’s 16 residential homes for young mothers.
“It just goes to show that we need to stick with these moms and these kids long term,” said Meikle of Crain’s involvement with Egadz.
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