ESTEVAN - The Estevan Public Youth Centre (EPYC) has announced that it was the recent recipient of grant funding to help with their next year of costs.
This funding, which amounts to $46,000, came from three main sources, which include the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF), the Â鶹´«Ã½AV Saskatchewan Community Foundation’s (SSCF) MNP Community Fund and Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation.
“We are very pleased to find success with these grants,” said EPYC executive director Juli Dzuba. “These funds will help to create a more stable foundation for EPYC as we move into the new year and get a better picture of what is to come.”
Each grant has specific requirements regarding what the funds are allotted for, but each one will have a significant impact on helping EPYC meet the goals they have set out.
One goal that remains at the forefront of EPYC’s plans is to have a space of their own.
“We are working hard to get the centre to a place where we can be in our own building,” said Dzuba.
“Having our own space will allow us to put down roots and make things more permanent in our community. It will also grant youth a true space of their own.”
Currently EPYC runs out of existing facilities, catering to youth in Grades 7-12 and is open on Friday and Saturday nights from 5:30-10:30 p.m. These evenings are drop-in sessions, and youths can come and go as they please.
The grant funding will assist with facility rentals, equipment purchases and special event nights that will help build peer relationships.
EPYC was fortunate to receive the funding to continue their efforts of creating a permanent youth centre in Estevan. The funding breakdown includes $25,000 from CIF, $16,000 from SSCF – MNP, and $5,000 from Saskatchewan Lotteries.
The Estevan Public Youth Centre’s vision is to help youths collectively discover and grow in their passion, purpose and potential. If you would like to be involved with EPYC through partnership, volunteering or sponsorship, you can find more information on their Facebook and Instagram pages by searching @TheEpyc.
