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"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." - Psalm 82:3-4 Verses such as this inspire us to action. This is our plan - to come alongside as many youth as possible and support in this very difficult time in their young lives. Sanctuary Youth Centre allows us to do just that. We are not always sure how the youth find us but new faces appear regularly. Youth coming to Sanctuary are exposed a variety of experiences; the primary experience being that of acceptance and friendship." - Rob |
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Sanctuary Youth Centre is an exciting place to be. The highlight of my day is when the door opens and youth file in. Sanctuary's youth bring greetings of sorts, put their "stuff" down somewhere in the centre, usually pour a coffee, tea or juice and then request something to eat from what has been prepared by the kitchen staff. Then the mingling and interaction begins. After a while a guitar can be heard, the pool table is being used and the noise level is steadily increasing. Amazing isn't it! Followers of Jesus would spend a few hours a day with youth who journey from all over the city to meet up in this location called Sanctuary. I recall, vividly, God's hand in the process of building Sanctuary Youth Centre. The process of sharing vision, acquiring space, construction of this centre, now full of the very youth we have been praying for. So many of His Church came together to contribute to the provision of this place and demonstrate how valuable these youth are to Him. The building process is on-going. Sanctuary may be fully operational as a centre; but the relationships and trust continue to be built upon. Sanctuary Youth Centre is truly a combined effort; from those who built and painted to those who volunteer today. So much to be thankful for! Rob Trepanier, Executive Director |
Sanctuary provides a safe meeting place and a community for young people who are isolated from mainstream society. The 1800 square foot facility provides an artistic environment with areas to kick back, grab a coffee, get a shower, do laundry, even access email. Regular evenings of live music and other special events are being scheduled.
Sanctuary's role centres on meeting disadvantaged youth at their point of need, and in being a catalyst to link them with local aid and services.
This project is overseen by a committee that includes nine pastors from local Victoria churches, and operates under an independent, non-profit organization "Cornerstone Youth Society", mailing address: Box 100, Victoria, BC V8W 2M1 (a registered charitable society).
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"Over the years we have observed youth struggling with addiction. Because we are able to open regularly, youth have developed ongoing relationship with our volunteers and staff, and have found a place of peace, friendship and support here. We have been recognized as having a positive effect by many community agencies, and have found that youth will use Sanctuary as their only point of contact for re-entry, recovery, or restoration with family. Thank you for your faithful support of this unique initiative." - Mark Stone, President, Cornerstone Youth Society |
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