MOOSE JAW — HOMEBASE Moose Jaw welcomed the community as its youth committee led tours, organized games, and handed out swag bags to the sound of live entertainment by musician Triffy last week.
Following its grand opening on Nov. 14, 2024, a community open house was held on Jan. 31 to help spread awareness of the space just over two months into its operation.
“It has been very exciting,” said Jill Lesuk, director of HOMEBASE Moose Jaw as she reflected on its first few months. “We’re really excited to navigate the landscape of providing integrated youth services. We’re continuing to build partnerships, create awareness, and work with our youth committee in ensuring that youth receive the services that they need.”
HOMEBASE, a facility for youth ages 12 to 25, embodies its motto, “For Youth, By Youth,” by creating a space where young people can suggest the supports they need through its in-house youth committee.
“Because our motto is, ‘For Youth, By Youth,’ I think their perspective is so important,” Lesuk said. “They mentioned having a space where youth could develop skills… and receive peer support. They thought it would encourage more youth to get help with their mental health struggles and bring youth together in community.”
One highlight during the open house was the Indigenous room, which is a dedicated healing space where youth can smudge, pray, and feel safe. Indigenous artist Sadi-Rose Vaxvick unveiled a vibrant new mural featuring the four sacred medicines — sage, cedar, sweetgrass, and tobacco — alongside her interpretation of Metis-inspired dot art.
Lesuk said the Learning Lab has been the most popular space so far, and many youths mentioned how they appreciated having somewhere quiet to finish their homework and study for final exams.
The Indigenous room and Learning Lab are only two spaces from a list of many.
“So, this month, we had various drop-in events such as a conversation circle, a paint night, cake pop decorating, and some more things,” Lesuk noted about January’s program lineup.
Every Wednesday, youth can access newcomer services from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The onsite Learning Lab is open for those needing a space to work on resumes, job applications, or other documents requiring computer and internet access. Youth can work independently or receive guidance from peer support staff and may also use HOMEBASE as a secure mailing address.
On Thursdays, a primary care physician is available to provide general health services including physical checkups, mental health and addiction support, and sexual health care. RBC visits monthly to deliver mini presentations on topics from employment to banking. The February session planned for Thursday, Feb. 20, will focus on basic banking for newcomers, while a new monthly series set to begin in March will help youth prepare to enter the workforce.
For parents and caregivers, the upcoming Parenting Lunch and Learn series, in partnership with the Prairie South School Division, will offer tips and strategies for navigating the pre-teen and teenage years of development. These sessions will take place on the last Wednesday of each month from March until May and a light lunch will be provided. Registration is available via email at [email protected].
HOMEBASE prioritizes mental wellness and offers drop-in counselling with a mental health lead available daily. Youth can check the calendar on HomebaseSask.ca to stay updated on new developments.
For its first year in operation, HOMEBASE hopes to establish itself as a trusted community for all youth to meet them where they’re at in their journey and offer needed supports, regardless of background, struggles, or successes.
“A successful conclusion of this goal would be high community engagement, increasing our partnerships in the community, growing services, and having a positive impact on the youth in Moose Jaw,” Lesuk said.
To learn more call 306-694-5554, email [email protected], visit HomebaseSask.ca, or follow ‘HOMEBASE Moose Jaw’ on Facebook.
HOMEBASE Moose Jaw is located at 52 High Street West.
