When Terrace and District Community Services Society (TDCSS) first heard about Foundry, they knew immediately that Terrace youth would benefit from the program.
“The Foundry model is so fantastic. It places youth and their families at the centre of care, and wraps health and wellness services around them. It’s not just having a variety of healthcare professionals under one roof. It’s also that they work collaboratively, offering a unified treatment model so no one falls through the cracks,” says Michael McFetridge, Executive Director of TDCSS.
Young people are empowered to determine which services would best help them live a good life — clinical counselling, primary healthcare, employment training, peer support, youth groups and many other services are available. Referrals are not required, and all services are free.
“Foundry is so important — and will create a lasting legacy that really supports our young people in becoming functional, self-determined adults.”
Recognizing the urgent need for these services in Terrace, TDCSS modified a small space at their headquarters so they could begin offering Foundry services right away. The interim space is functional, but a larger, purpose-built space will allow more local youth to receive a full range of supports — and free up the interim space for its original purpose, offering Community Living Programs to adults with diverse abilities.
Help build Foundry Terrace, and make a lasting impact on our community
- The plan: A 7,500 square foot purpose-built space for Foundry, and four floors of affordable rental housing for seniors above.
- The location: The lot right next to TDCSS headquarters at 101-3219 Eby St., which is already owned by TDCSS and a great location near schools and other downtown services.
- Current status: TDCSS has engaged the community and collected primary information from Terrace youth, families and professionals who will be using the Foundry space on a daily basis, in addition to feedback from many other community groups in the region.
“All of these community partners have participated directly in the functional design of the building. It’s going to have everybody’s best ideas,” McFetridge says.
BC Housing is leading the funding for the four upper floors of affordable seniors housing, and TDCSS is the project lead for the Foundry centre. TDCSS is hoping to raise two million dollars over the next two years to complete the Foundry project — and make a real impact on Terrace, Thornhill and area youth for generations to come.
“We’re hoping the community will get behind us, as well as families, businesses and corporations, to help raise the funds to complete this project,” McFetridge says. “The success at the interim site has been phenomenal, and Foundry is a proven program with clear results across the province. Having a purpose-built site will have a lasting impact on our community for generations to come.”
Community members are welcome to visit the interim Foundry Terrace site to better understand the current successes and future needs.
Learn more at foundrybc.ca/terrace, at facebook.com/TDCSS, and @foundry_terrace on Facebook and Instagram. Visit https://tdcss.ca/foundry to donate.