More young people struggling with mental-health and addictions challenges will benefit from a first-of-its-kind Foundry centre in Cranbrook.
The state-of-the-art centre will provide a range of free, confidential services to young people between 12 and 24 as well as their families and caregivers. As the first Indigenous-led Foundry in B.C., the centre also offers a culturally responsive environment grounded in Indigenous values, ways and knowledge systems.
Mental-health and addiction supports, physical and sexual health care, peer support and social services will be provided under one roof in a youth-friendly, welcoming space. Services will be fully integrated with the Foundry BC App platform, allowing young people to book in-person and virtual appointments.
Foundry’s origins at St. Paul’s Hospital
Foundry began in St. Paul’s Hospital in 2015 and has grown into a network of clinics for young people across the province. This new Foundry centre joins 16 others across the province, with 18 more in development that will bring the province’s total to 35.
Operated by Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Child and Family Services, this new centre will be at 100 12th Ave. S. in Cranbrook and will serve all youth in Cranbrook, Fernie, Creston, Invermere, Golden and surrounding areas. This is a social-services organization that offers a variety of programs from early years to prevention services, mental health, guardianship and kinship services for all Ktunaxa citizens, First Nations, Métis and Inuit living in Ktunaxa territory in a culturally relevant and holistic manner.
A ‘pillar of wellness’ for youth
“I’m beyond excited and proud of Foundry East Kootenay to be opening its doors,” said Colin Sinclair, chief executive officer, Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Service Society. “This project has represented four years of unwavering commitment and work from so many, especially the youth advisory who spent countless hours designing the space. Our hope is to be a pillar of wellness for all youth of the East Kootenays. Foundry East Kootenay, t̓ikxawiȼikimik: for all things to be connected.”
Foundry centres are a fundamental part of the Province’s delivery of mental-health and health care for youth and young people. The Province has provided one-time funding of $800,000 for Foundry East Kootenay and is providing annual funding toward operations and services. The Province continues to build on investments of $236 million in new and expanded addictions care for youth and young adults, including approximately $75 million for Foundry expansion and enhanced services over three years.
This story was adapted from a Government of BC news release.
For more information about Foundry BC, visit foundrybc.ca
