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Youth Services Hub

YAK Youth Services Thrives Thanks to Strong Community Collaborations @ the Hub 

YAK’s Youth Services Hub offers a number of youth services and continues to flourish, thanks to the unwavering support of local businesses, organizations, and volunteers. Through food donations, program partnerships, and fundraising efforts, the centre is able to provide youth with nourishing meals, enhanced programming, and a welcoming space to connect and grow.

Local Businesses Fuel Youth Programs

Each week, Perth’s local food partners step up to ensure youth have access to healthy, home-cooked-style meals.
 Generous contributions come from:

  • Maximilian’s – donates once per week
  • Starbucks – donates three times per week
  • Mex & Co. – donates once per month
  • KFC – donates once per week
  • A&W – donates twice per month

 

“These partnerships keep our youth programs running strong,” said a YAK Executive Director. “We’re incredibly grateful for our local supporters who continue to show what community care looks like in action.”

Community Partners Enhancing YAK’s Programs 

YAK’s success is powered not only by donations but also by meaningful collaborations that expand learning, wellness, and connection for our program participants.

  • Open Doors for Mental Health provides bi-weekly counselling and monthly wellness workshops.
  • Perth & District Union Library stocks a satellite youth library regularly with fresh titles.
  • Lanark Transportation offers shuttle services for youth on all program days.
  • The Table Community Food Centre gives a Fresh Food Box twice monthly to support healthy meals.
  • Planet Youth Lanark County contributes a Safety and Wellness Coordinator for additional program support and focused Wellness and Safety initiatives.
  • Queer Connection Lanark connects our families to inclusive services and supports.
  • Lanark Interval House hosts educational and empowerment workshops.
  • LIDA, Conway Menswear, and local community members maintain the Youth Free Store through regular donations.
  • Algonquin College and Willis College send placement students who bring new ideas, energy, and mentorship to daily programming.
  • Toastmaster’s International hosts youth leadership and toastmaster workshops

Fundraising: A Community Effort

Community events and local partnerships also play a vital role in keeping YAK’s programs sustainable:

  • A & B Ford supports our Annual Duck Race fundraiser.
  • Perth Farmer’s Market vendors and council offer support to both the Fall Chili Cook-Off and Spring Pancake Breakfast.
  • Eatons staff help decorate cookies in our Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Campaign.
  • Tim Horton’s staff have chosen YAK as their Smile Cookie Campaign recipient for the past 10 years..
  • Spark, LIDA, Perth Pie Co., and Picnic Café sell YAK totes and t-shirts to raise additional funds and awareness.
  • & Christmas baskets for youth attendees were made possible by the following: Giant Tiger, Mex and Co., Perth Pharmasave, & CFUW Social Justice Club

 

“Community fundraising allows us to grow our impact,” said a YAK board member. “Every contribution—big or small—helps shape positive outcomes for local youth.”