Greater Napanee Youth Coalition proposes hub for teens and young adults

A group of 16 local organizations that support youth wants to open a central hub in downtown Napanee for young people aged 12 to 29. The proposed "Youth Wellness Hub" would offer mental health support, skills training, and housing help.

At their regular meeting of the Council of the Town of Greater Napanee on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Michelle Hauser and Shannon Ruddy introduced the Greater Napanee Youth Services Coalition (GNYSC). They requested support to run a one-year pilot project at 12 Market Square, where the hub could be located. The idea is to create a safe and welcoming space where young people can access free programs and support.

Hauser emphasized that the coalition already provides thousands of hours of service across the region and that this hub would help streamline and improve access to those services. She also reminded the council that in May 2023, they had adopted Resolution 305, which focused on supporting youth and vulnerable populations. The hub would directly support that goal.

Ruddy outlined two main goals:

• Create an interactive central directory of youth services to help youth, families, teachers, and caregivers easily find support.
• Launch the Youth Wellness Hub pilot project—a visible, youth-focused facility offering free, safe, low-barrier programs for youth in Napanee.

Over 30 similar hubs exist across Ontario, and Napanee could join that network, which is already supported by the province, Ruddy pointed out. 

The coalition asked the Town to provide rent-free space, including utilities, cleaning, and internet. Ruddy and Hauser explained the many benefits: youth would have a safe place with programs designed just for them, and all services would be free, and staff would be on-site to support youth. It would strengthen community ties, make good use of existing infrastructure, and help the town fulfill its commitment to youth under Resolution 305.

Some councillors raised concerns about having a wide age range (12 to 29) in the same space. The coalition explained that programming would be scheduled to suit different age groups at different times, so that younger teens and older youth wouldn’t be mixed together inappropriately.

Councillor Mike Schenk asked why people over 18 were included. Ruddy explained that 18 to 25 is considered "transitional-aged youth," since many young adults still need support like housing help and job training.

Schenk also raised safety concerns, wondering if having the hub in a central location might cause "mental health" related safety concerns. 

"I know, in other areas, you know, in Kingston,  a lot of residents don't go, and a lot of other people don't go in that area because of some of the concerns for safety or anything else. Is there a concern there if it's established there with that same type of scenario?” he asked

Ruddy responded that this would not be a drop-in centre. Programs would be scheduled, and youth would need to register to attend. There would be structured, supervised activities, especially during after-school hours (3 to 6 p.m.), and additional daytime programs for older youth not in school or working.

Councillor Angela Hicks pointed out how important the project could be for young people aging out of foster care, who often have nowhere to go or limited support. She praised the proposal as a meaningful way to fill that gap.

Ruddy also noted that the province is assessing the need for youth wellness hubs in Napanee and beyond. If Napanee has a space ready at 12 Market Square, it would be easier to bring those provincial services here. The provincial model already includes staff, such as an intake worker, a mental health counsellor, a nurse practitioner, and a care coordinator.

Council supported the idea in theory and asked Town staff to prepare a report on whether the 12 Market Square location could be used. After reviewing the space, costs, and resources needed, a final decision will be made.