Batshaw Youth and Family Centres Foundation launched a new awareness and fundraising campaign aimed at supporting vulnerable youth in Quebec. The campaign, launched on Dec. 2 and called Risk to Resilience, focuses on the stories of people who once depended on Batshaw, including Jasmine Brown. “My mother had substance abuse issues and my father also,” says Brown. “Neither of them were present in my life.” Brown was in and out of the youth protection system since she was around four years old. Her journey eventually led her to Batshaw, an experience she says changed her life. “The support and everything I needed to make sure that when I left, I would be OK,” she said. Brown describes herself as one of the lucky ones, giving credit to Batshaw workers who helped her along her journey. Brown is part of the campaign. “These are just regular kids who are hoping to experience life as a normal child,” says Wendy Khan, the executive director of the foundation. “So, we’re trying to give them that experience.” Last year, more than 45,000 children were under youth protection in Quebec. The foundation also provided emergency financial assistance to more than 190 families to help cover basic needs like rent and groceries. In addition, it helped more than 3,200 youths by funding services that promote physical and mental well-being. Batshaw is facing growing demand and hopes the public will make donations to the organization so that it can continue to provide resources for at-risk youth. As for Brown, Batshaw helped pay for her college and university tuitions. Now, she is a case worker at Batshaw, helping young people who face challenges similar to those she once experienced. “I would love to do that for another youth, that needs that extra support,” said Brown.
