Drop-In Centre

Our goal is to help all youth attending the Drop-In in any and all ways to facilitate positive life changes and promote success.

Drop-In Centre hours

School days: Monday-Friday, 3:30-9PM
School breaks: Monday-Friday, 1-9PM
Saturdays: 1-9PM
Sundays & stat holidays: Closed

Program highlights

Shower/hygiene services.
Access to laundry.
Clothing room.
School supplies provided.
Access to formula, diapers and emergent parenting items.
Connections to community resources.
Snacks and supper provided.

Recreation highlights

Arts and crafts.
Cultural activities.
Pool tournaments.
New activities nightly promoting healthy competition for prizes.
Computer access.
Holiday and special occasion celebrations.
Multiple gaming systems.

Current features

7.4.2024

Safe, fun environment

The Drop-In Centre strives to create a warm, comfortable “home away from home” environment for youth. Two youth workers are always on the floor ensuring youth are welcomed, helping them to meet their needs in a non-judgemental, supportive way. Youth can access services at in a safe, fun environment surrounded with positive mentorship from staff and their peers. Support includes information and referrals to community resources, housing, mental health and addictions services, and schooling. A monthly calendar of activities is created with youth’s insight and suggestions.

Living Room & Reading Nook

The Drop-In Centre provides a comfortable and practical space for relaxing, playing, crafts, and holding special events. The “Living Room” provides ample seating for the youth to relax while playing video games, watching movies, visiting, or just taking a nap. This Reading Nook allows the youth to have quiet time, slightly separated from the rest of the Centre in cozy “hug chairs” that are meant to reduce stress and anxiety. Our computer area allow youth to connect with family and friends, work on resume building and complete homework.

Nutrition

The kitchen support worker provides after school snacks from 3:30-5 PM and a nutritious supper six days a week from 5-6 PM. Youth are encouraged to sign up for contributions before and after supper in which they develop new skills in food preparation, proper food storage, sanitation and cleaning. Encouraging the youth to be a part of the functions of the Centre allows them to have a sense of ownership, deepening their respect and commitment to keeping the space fun and safe for all that attend.

Testimonials

"It feels like home, the staff treat me well, they help me with things that I need. My favorite part of the Drop-In is the staff."

– L.C.

"EGADZ is a fun place to meet new people. I like to play the PS5, the staff help me with learning new things, and they make me feel at home. They also cook good food. They are family."

T.C.

"I come to EGADZ because it's my safe place and I have nowhere else to go I the city. I like the activities. Staff help mw with thing I need and someone to talk to."

– C.B.

Changing lives through youth-directed programs

The needs of children, youth and their families are the primary focus in the design and delivery of our programs and services.

See all programs