Recently a group of community-minded individuals and organizations took a field trip to Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) in London, Ontario and the Fusion Youth Centre in Ingersoll, Ontario. P2P’s Laura Tucker was part of the group that went to tour the facilities to better understand the uniqueness of each of these youth-oriented programs.

Since 1982 YOU has helped lead youth in London and Middlesex County toward success. YOU understands that many youth need guidance and support to reach their true potential. Focusing on at-risk youth, YOU provides a variety of services and programs, including affordable housing, informal counselling, referral to services, and basic needs. YOU also runs four social-enterprise businesses providing hands-on skill development for youth in a variety of employment fields.

For more information on YOU, visit www.you.on.ca

The Fusion Youth Activity and Technology Centre provide youth in a rural setting with exposure to nutrition programs, technology-related skill development, arts, music, cooking, peer-to-peer specialty programs and more. Fusion’s focus is helping youth develop skills to increase their employability and/or foster their entrepreneurial spirit and consider self-employment. At a membership rate of $5 for life and a location near the local secondary school, Fusion is a popular hangout that is fun and safe.

For more information on Fusion, visit www.fusionyouthcentre.ca