Foundry East Kootenay is celebrating its one-year anniversary in May, with a public ceremony to recognize its contributions to the community.
The Foundry opened one year ago in Cranbrook to offer health and wellness services for youth and young adults ages 12 to 24 in the region. It provides free and confidential support for mental health, substance use issues, Indigenous culture, primary care, social services and peer assistance.
There will be a celebration to mark the Foundry's one year anniversary on Friday, May 23 at 100 12 Ave. South. There will be food, live music, interactive activities, and tours of the building from noon to 5 p.m. A short ceremony will begin at 1 p.m.
"Over the past year, we've seen firsthand the impact of accessible, youth-friendly services in our region," said Foundry cultural lead Smokii Sumac. "We're so grateful to our community, partners, and to our youth for shaping this space into what it is today — a welcoming hub for support, connection and hope."
The two-storey building has a large kitchen, consult and clinician rooms, laundry and shower facilities, harm reduction supplies and services, and youth gathering areas. A youth advisory committee planned most of the building’s design and colour scheme.
Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child & Family Services Society operates the space in partnership with Foundry B.C and other public health programs and non-profit organizations. It was named t̓ikxawiȼikimik, translating to “for all things to be connected," in Ktunaxa.
The Foundry is the first Indigenous-led facility of its kind in the province. In the past year, more than 1,000 local youth have accessed services at the facility and staff have counted over 3,000 visits, which indicates youth are returning regularily.
