Saskatoon’s vulnerable youth population is a growing concern and EGADZ made an announcement today they are adding two new Retreat Homes for youth struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues. The new homes will each offer five spaces with the youth playing a major role in the planning and decision-making process from start to finish to ensure a positive outcome, giving the youth a voice and a sense of empowerment about their futures.

Don Meikle is the Executive Director with EGADZ and says, “It’s important to help kids when they are young because if we wait until they are in their twenties and they make a mistake, society feels like they (youth) weren’t serious but helping them early gives them a better outcome.”

The Retreat Homes will serve youth experiencing challenges in mental health and addiction issues, needing additional supports and will help with stabilization and recovery.  Funding shared between the Government of Canada, Government of Saskatchewan and other funding partners will bring this $1.5 million project together.