Youth Council Poster (Image provided by Beth Aubrey)
Big Brothers Big Sisters Grey Bruce (BBBSGB) youth leadership council is looking to bring attention to homelessness in Owen Sound by planning a presentation to city council.
Executive Director of BBBSGB Beth Aubrey says the council, established in the spring of 2022, aims to make youth feel heard and grow an interest in investing in their communities by sparking civic engagement.
“The youth council has been meeting regularly now and is hoping to eventually present in front of city council. They have been looking mostly at homelessness from a youth perspective in Owen Sound,” says Aubrey. “They hope to basically just be able to get their voice heard and really make an impact locally.”
In a release from MPP for Bruce, Grey, Owen Sound Rick Byers, a nearly $100,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant was awarded in the spring of 2022 to implement the youth council.
Great to visit @georgiancollege yesterday to recognize the $99,600 grant from @ONTrillium Foundation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey Bruce and see everyone in action at the youth council animation studio – very exciting program! https://t.co/QdMhnKGohj pic.twitter.com/HvbZx5Ymrv
— Rick Byers – MPP (@rickbyersmpp) March 14, 2023
Aubrey adds the impact of the grant has been tremendous on the youth and families they serve.
“Our youth council has truly worked to build resilience and foster growth. We look forward to seeing just how far the ripples go,” says Aubrey.
In addition to the launch of the youth council, the BBBSGB has also used the funds to hire a second full-time mentorship coordinator.
Those interested in joining the youth council can call BBBSGB at 519-376-4449.