REGINA — The YWCA Regina will soon be launching a new semi-independent living program.
In collaboration with the province, YWCA Regina will house 12 youth at a time between 16 and 21, receiving child welfare services.
“The YWCA is very excited about this program and being able to continue the care for young people to provide housing for young people that we currently serve, either in our shelter or in our youth hub,” said YWCA Regina CEO Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen.
Coomber-Bendtsen noted the youth in the program will see benefits from having housing in employment, school, training, etc.
She also highlighted the navigation youth will receive for parenting classes and healing circles.
As for the independent aspect, Coomber-Bendtsen explained the responsibility each youth will have.
“So right off the hop, they will be responsible for cooking and cleaning and taking care of as if they were moving into an apartment.”
“But will [also] have our staff there and the community of other people around to be able to help them with anything that they might be struggling with.”
The program was designed based on a recommendation by the Regina Youth Advisory Team, who were part of the request for proposal process.
“[So], the fact that these young people were part of it and part of the process that shows us as proponents, I think, for me, speaks to the authentic way with which the YWCA continues to serve our community.”
The province will provide $865,000 annually for the program's continued operation.
The program will launch in January 2026, and YWCA Regina will hold an event for its naming.
From her understanding, Coomber-Bendtsen said youth in the program won’t have a timeframe for their stay.
YWCA Regina will also keep tabs on the youth once they leave the program.
“We maintain a relationship with the people that we serve if that's what they need and what they choose, and so making sure that they are well connected not just to our organization but to other organizations.”
