Foundry Tri-Cities opens doors in Port Coquitlam
For young people whose problems feel invisible, it’s a place to be seen.
Located at PoCo Place on Lougheed Highway just off Westwood Street, Tri-Cities Foundry marked its official opening on Friday – something Carol Todd called “profoundly important.”
“This centre strengthens the community by ensuring young people feel seen, valued and supported where they live,” Todd stated in a press release.
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Following the death of her daughter Amanda, Todd founded the Amanda Todd Legacy Society in an effort to prevent youth from suffering abuse and exploitation.
As a centralized space with mental health resources, the foundry, “carries deep meaning for Amanda’s Legacy by transforming tragic loss into lasting impact, offering hope, connection and support for future generations.”
Besides drop-in counselling, substance-use support, and physical and sexual health care, the centre is designed to offer wraparound supports for youths between the ages of 12 and 24.
“When young people have a safe place to turn for support, it strengthens all of us,” stated Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Jennifer Blatherwick. “This centre brings essential mental-health and wellness services closer to home, helping youth and families feel heard, supported and connected.”
Funded by the province and operated by SHARE Family & Community Services Society, foundry services are free and confidential.
SHARE CEO Claire MacLean thanked the host of community partners who worked together to make the opening of the foundry possible.
“The close partnership with Fraser Health Authority, the accessible location in Port Coquitlam and the amazing staff team make Foundry Tri-Cities a safe, welcoming and effective place for young people and their families to get the supports they need to thrive,” she stated.
Besides operating the food bank, SHARE provides tenant advocacy services, counselling for newcomers and refugees, as well as speech language pathologists and physiotherapists, all of which create a “tertiary level of health care,” MacLean said.
Foundry’s approach is based on the idea that a person’s wellness is often affected by multiple factors. A centre with integrated services means youth can avoid making several trips, asking for referrals, and repeatedly telling their story.
Youth can walk in or book an appointment through the Foundry B.C. app.
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