Cactus Youth Drop-In and Resource Centre
The Cactus Youth Drop-In and Resource Centre is a venue for at risk and homeless youth to gain access to information and resources in order to develop positive options for getting off the street. The centre works with youth between the ages of 16-25 and assists them in developing individualized goal plans designed to integrate youth into the community, gain self-respect and dignity, and take control of their lives. The programs and services encourage youth to move through a series of constructive steps from their first contact with Operation Come Home. The Resource Centre is often the “first point of contact” where information and resources are the first step in assisting youth to move beyond street life. It is the only morning youth drop-in centre in the city and is open Monday to Friday 8am-11:30am.
The Centre operates a series of sub-programs designed to provide specific resources and information to drop-in eligible youth:
- Oh Baby! is a weekly playgroup for parents and their young children to gain access to information, supports, and supplies, all while participating in a social setting.
- Wagging Tails is a veterinary program for youth with pets. This program occurs sporadically throughout the year.
The Drop-In also has weekly visits from outreach workers such as a mental health nurse from the Royal Ottawa Hospital and a sexual health nurse from the City of Ottawa. Youth are able to access up to ten items a week from our Food Bank during drop-in hours.
Please contact us for more information regarding Oh Baby! and Wagging Tails, or for times regarding outreach workers.
CONTACTS
Lynda Franc
lynda@operationcomehome.ca
Katie Sanders
katies@operationcomehome.ca
Jacob McIsaac
Jacob@operationcomehome.ca
Phone 613 230 4663