By Erin Knutson

The grand opening of Foundry East Kootenay (FEK) this past week marked a momentous event for youth and mental health care in this region. Over 300 attendees turned out in the rain for a host of speeches, a drumming circle, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to finalize and commemorate its arrival.

With community support, the event recognized years of hard work, fundraising, and mental health advocacy to produce a wellness centre for youth aged 12 to 24 to seek help for early intervention and preventative care. This occasion signaled a turning point for youth and mental health care in East Kootenay and across British Columbia.

“One of the most important things about this area is the overwhelming support for projects. Over a thousand businesses, non-profits, and sports teams contributed to FEK. We cannot thank you enough,” said Chief Administrative Officer for the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Services Society (KKCFSS) and emcee Colin Sinclair (pictured above).

Sinclair acknowledged Executive Director of the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) Brenna Baker, her team and board of directors for their tireless efforts, work ethic, and success in fundraising $2.2 million to help pay for the $3.8 million cost of supporting the facility.

“To the youth who have been part of this project from the ground up – this place is for you,” said Sinclair.

According to EKFH, the incidence of youth mental illness is high:

• 300,000 youth in BC – one in five – need mental health or substance use services;
• Of those, as few as 25% receive the care they need;
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people in Canada;
• 75% of mental illness begins before age 25;
• Youth mental illness ranks as the second-highest Canadian hospital care expenditure.

“The Foundry will be able to connect youth across East Kootenay and B.C. with the health services they want and deserve. This means outreach and prioritizing accessible wellness spaces in rural communities,” said Toni Carlton, who spoke alongside Julie Zimmerman from Foundry Central Office.

Zimmerman echoed Carlton’s nod to the community’s youth, emphasizing that young people matter. “Community represents spaces and places, people like you and shared experiences like this one that remind youth that dreams, aspirations, and needs matter and that their presence and experiences have value.”

She also thanked the local community.

“The opening of this centre is living and breathing proof of our collective commitment to transforming the lives of young people across B.C. It’s also evidence of the commitment of the people of East Kootenay and your desire to support young people. It will be a place that will transform how you as a community work together on behalf of your young people.”

A host of organizations, individuals, and dedicated volunteers helped make the opening celebration and existence of FEK possible.

“I want to thank you for your partnership, including Interior Health Authority, Public Health Nursing, Child and Youth Mental Health, Canadian Mental Health Association, BGC Cranbrook, Summit Community Services Society, East Kootenay Addiction Services Society, Cranbrook Pride, KKCFSS, Education Employment Sector of Ktunaxa Nation Council, UNBC and the private providers and multiple volunteers that worked collaboratively on a true demonstration of what smaller communities can accomplish,” said speaker Amy Reid (pictured above) on Services and Partnerships with KKCFSS.

Lead image: Opening Drum group Sukniy  Singers perform. Erin Knutson photos

e-KNOW

Article Share