Foundry, the new health and wellness facility for young people, threw a party for the community on Saturday, Sept. 24, at its Langley City location.
There were games, music, free hotdogs, fresh-made bannock, and an opportunity to tour the just-opened offices on Eastleigh Crescent, near Glover Road.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Foundry Langley opens to provide youth health services
While there had been an official opening with dignitaries present earlier in the year, this event was a way of saying “thank you” to the community for its support, explained Kristin Coyne, manager of Foundry and clinical services with Encompass Support Services Society, the operating organization for Foundry Langley.
“It was a community effort and we’re so grateful,” Coyne told the Langley Advance Times.
Some community partners were present for the event, including the Vancouver Giants, Fraser Valley Bandits, Coast Capital Savings, Royal Bank of Canada, and the Township of Langley Fire Fighters Charities, which showed up with a cheque for $30,000.
It was also the official unveiling of the mural, “Coming Together, A Community and Kwantlen Art Mural,” designed by Kwantlen First Nation artists and siblings, Elinor and Noah Atkins. It was commissioned by the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival and painted by members of the community at the summertime festival before being installed in its permanent home at the new youth facility.
Foundry Langley is an integrated health and wellness centre for youth ages 12 to 24 and their family members.
Coyne said the integrated services approach means Foundry can help those who may not be sure what sort of support they require.
“They can come here and we have mental health services [and] substance use services,” Coyne explained, adding more services are coming.
“Primary care is coming, so that will be physical and sexual health care, as well as social services. We have peer support — youth with lived experience [who] can relate to youth through their shared experiences — as well as caregiver support for caregivers of young people.”
In addition to scheduled appointments, the centre offers drop-in services Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, from 2 to 7 p.m. There’s also access to laundry, shower facilities, and food – if needed.
READ ALSO: Foundry to bring mental health support to Langley teens
Foundry Langley is located at 20616 Eastleigh Cres., within walking distance from the City of Langley bus loop.
For more information, people can visit their website at www.foundrybc.ca/langley or phone 604-546-2700.
More photos from the day can be viewed online at the Langley Advance Times Facebook page.
Have a story tip? Email: dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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