Youth Empowering Minds Council (Y.E.M.)

The BASE project will create a multi-functional, safe and youth friendly space accessible to youth to be used for programming, lounging, study space, meetings, and entertainment activities at the Elmbank Community Centre. The space will allow youth to explore their creative talents, promote healthy living and make a difference in the community, thereby changing the perception of youth in the community. The project will modify current space and purchase items to create a youth friendly lounge, media studio and fitness room. The community centre’s meeting and storage room will be converted into a youth-friendly space and a fitness room. In addition, the studio will be upgraded to make it more accessible to youth. The Elmbank Community Centre will be providing staff (youth program coordinator, media centre coordinator & program coordinator) to ensure the successful implementation of the youth friendly space. Additionally, the group has submitted a security plan from Parks, Forestry and Recreation, a proposed floor plan and a certificate of Insurance from the City of Toronto. The Rexdale Community Health Centre is providing staff time and an administrator for the BASE project. The Y.E.M. has also included a work plan for the training and activities the group will undertake to develop their leadership and capacity skills, to play an active role in changing the perception of youth in the Jamestown community. The Y.E.M. members will play a vital role in organizing coordinated development of the space, managing the booking of the space, and ensuring that it is safe and secure for community use. Adult allies will assist the youth advisory to negotiate with contractors and outside vendors to ensure the timely coordination and implementation of the equipment and resources for the BASE. The youth group will act as decision makers to ensure that outside youth groups have access to space and programs.