Youth worker Dez Luce stocking the new Necessity Nook at Kamloops Boys and Girls Club.
Image Credit: Kamloops Boys and Girls Club
January 28, 2021 - 3:00 PM
The Boys and Girls Club is offering a new year-round resource for youth in Kamloops to get what they need with low or no barriers.
It's called the Necessity Nook and the goal is to provide easier access to community resources, food and hygiene supplies.
The club has been working with youth around food security issues even before the pandemic, but thanks to recent funding, it can offer more products and connections to resources than before, according to a Boys and Girls Club of Kamloops media release.
The club's youth team have seen an increase in the need for their services as the pandemic continues, youth programs leader Abby Smith said.
They plan to make the Necessity Nook available year-round for young people between the ages of 11 to 24.
"We know when youth aren't in school, they can become disconnected from local supports, like food programs. So we are here to help them with what they need throughout the year," Smith said in the release.
They Boys and Girls Club also reminds youth they are always available for a consult. Smith said they could be for a range of needs like referrals to other community partners for support, or providing transportation through bus passes or giving someone a ride in one of their club vehicles.
The Necessity Nook is available Monday to Friday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. by appointment. To book an appointment, email youth worker Dez Luce at leadup.bgckam@gmail.com.
While the funding has allowed them to kickstart the program, they will again be relying on donations once the funding is done.
"We love dried foods and other items that don't require refrigeration. We found shelf stable milk and margarine that don't require refrigeration until they're opened. We need more of those items," Smith said.
They are also always in need of personal hygiene products.
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