Renovations are underway on a location downtown ahead of the launch of the Foundry program, expected in late summer this year.
Foundry is an integrated health and social service centre for youth aged 12 to 24 to allow them to access any wellness service they require, including primary care, mental health and substance use.
Services offered will be coordinated in a comprehensive stepped-care model so the greater the need, the greater the support.
There are more than a dozen partners involved in the project including the Native Friendship Centre, Intersect, Northern Health and the Ministry of Children and Family.
"Those are our main partners and they all have staff committed to being on site," said Shannon Croy, Foundry team lead.
The team is seeking support during their capital and innovation fundraising campaign.
"Until May 31 the Conconi Foundation has offered to do a funding match for up to $25,000 so we're trying to capitalize on that," Croy said.
The Robert L. Conconi Foundation was created by B.C. philanthropists Bob and Diane Conconi, who often support new and innovative projects.
Many people honour their lost loved ones by donating to a cause like cancer research and Croy said she thinks it would be a fine idea for those who have lost someone as a result of mental illness or substance use to honour their loved one by donating.
"Every member of our community has been impacted in some way, indirectly or directly," Croy said.
"I was hoping to encourage families to donate."
To earn a place on the Foundry Donor Wall the minimum donation is $2,000.
"That will be up there forever in YAP (the Youth Around Prince George space) and that might be a really neat opportunity for families to band together in a fundraising effort to leave a legacy for the loved one they've lost," Croy said.
Bigger donation opportunities are room naming for the exam room, talking room, family and quiet room, spiritual and cultural room and the multipurpose room.
Foundry will be operated through the YMCA of Northern B.C. For more information email shannon.croy@nbcy.org or donate online at www.nbcy.org.
