Kelowna branch is one of seven in the province, with four more on the way
In its first year of operation, Foundry Kelowna has seen over 1,500 clients come through their doors looking for help.
The youth centre, operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association, works with youths ages 12 to 24 and their families, giving them access to 25 different resources.
CMHA's Jessica Samuels says Foundry tries to take a preventative approach with its clients.
"We're trying to intervene early so that, not only are we managing youths if they are experiencing a mental health crisis, but we are providing them with tools so that they can have some strategies and possibly not end up depressed or feel as depressed as they previously would have," says Samuels.
Samuels says that Foundry Kelowna's core focus is on mental health, primary care, social services, substance use, and counselling.
Because of the wide variety of resources, it's not uncommon to have repeat visitors at the centre.
"They're coming through our doors for mental health concerns, but we're connecting them with help for other things like employment services, health care, or whatever else is going on in their lives that is causing them anxiety," says Samuels.
The Kelowna branch is one of seven Foundries in the province, with another four on the way.
