Teen Stop Jeunesse – a haven of safety, inclusion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/05/2022 (1617 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Understanding the troubles of young people is the calling of Chris Lernowicz, the program manager at Teen Stop Jeunesse (533 St. Anne’s Rd.) After coming to Canada from Ukraine and entering an adult education class, Lernowicz proceeded to study social work. Chris’s personal mandate at Teen Stop Jeunesse is to develop sustainable programs for young people aged eight to 18. Twenty years later, he has welcomed numerous supporters, coaches and mentors to the organization.

Patrick LeBlanc, executive director at Teen Stop Jeunesse, assesses the needs of local youth, liaises with neighbourhood schools, helps develop programs, raises funds and builds partnerships with the likes of the United Way and the St. Vital – St. Boniface Rotary Club.

The choices are numerous at Teen Stop Jeunesse. It runs a food bank on the second Monday of each month, and also offers a child-care facility, a music program and literacy support. So it’s not surprising to hear that this drop-in centre sees between 30 and 40 youth per night. Anyone experiencing homelessness or in crisis mode is welcomed with open arms and no judgment.

A majority of the drop-ins live within a three-mile radius and take advantage of Teen Stop Jeunesse’s many options. There is a music studio where participants are encouraged to play an instrument of their choice, guided by a volunteer named Mario, who plays in a Winnipeg band. Together, they can mix music in a fully equipped recording studio. The child-care facility is connected to its adult education program on the second floor. Teen Stop Jeunesse’s English-language programs help young immigrants feel more comfortable at their schools.

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic looks to be fading, Lernowicz says he is just happy to be open as the lack of socialization has admittedly hindered youth.

When those who use the services of Teen Stop Jeunesse turn 18 they often become a part of a leadership program, shadowing others to experience how to give the help they received, so that they, in turn, can help foster the centre’s feeling of inclusion.

If you know a young person aged eight to 18 who could use the mentoring of a drop- in centre, call 204-254-1618, Monday to Friday. Teen Stop Jeunesse is open from 3 to 10 p.m.

Summer hours are extended to 10 a.m.-11 p.m.