Youth Home Receives United Way Funding of $900,000.00

A Fort McMurray organization working with youth in crisis is able to be more positive about their unique new program for the community.

“The United Way of Fort McMurray has committed to funding support for The Stepping Stones Youth Home up to $900,000.00” announced Tricia Hewitt, Chair of the Community Investments Committee. “The United Way is taking the lead on this initiative and hopes their action will motivate other potential funders to step forward and also support the Stepping Stones program.”  A request for funding from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is on the council agenda for introduction tonight.

The Board of Directors for the United Way accepted the request to invest $300,000 annually over three years, dependent on continuing effective operations.  The Stepping Stones project will build capacity in the community and give youth, not only temporary shelter, but the resources to make meaningful changes and improvements in their life. The “network of care” connects youth to a variety of services and supports such as education, training, life skills, counseling, etc.

A report published in August 2007 for the Homelessness Initiatives Steering Committee, The Fort McMurray Youth Housing Needs Report, indicated that 65 youth aged 11-17 were living away from home, either without shelter or living in unsafe or temporary housing.  Youth that cannot return home are unable to obtain shelter from any of the existing adult-only facilities and that places them at extreme risk of falling into a dangerous lifestyle.

For further information on the Stepping Stones Youth Home project please contact Vaughn Jessome, Vice Chairperson and spokesperson for the Advisory Committee at 780-713-7006.

For further information on the United Way’s involvement, please contact Tricia Hewitt, Chair of the Community Investments Committee or Diane Shannon, Executive Director of the United Way of Fort McMurray at 780-791-0077.

#207, 9912 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray, Alberta   T9H 2K5
(780) 791-0077 or
dshannon@fmunitedway.com