Youth in North Kent will always have a place to go, thanks to some recent renovations to the Dresden Sidestreets Youth Centre.
The non-profit organization, which has been a staple in the Dresden community for many years, now has a completely renovated façade and more space for programming.
“Sidestreets has been serving our local youth for over 21 years,” said Board Chair Lori Ouellette, in a media release.
“These much-needed renovations will allow us to continue operating into the future.”
The organization received funds from the Chatham-Kent Community Foundation, South Kent Wind, and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Community Improvement Plan Grant.
The exterior’s facelift was completed earlier this year, featuring new siding, windows, and signage.
The back room, which previously was only suitable for storage, has been completely renovated as well, giving them more room.
“Having the back room renovated into a finished useable space will give us the additional room we need as we grow into the future,” Ouellette added.
The renovations are also having a positive impact on nearby businesses.
“Having a more attractive street adds to the overall feel of the downtown,” said Myriam Armstrong, from The Hub and Spoke, in a media release.
“It was also great that the upgrades complement not only their building, but the style of our little stretch of downtown. The impact of their work is felt way past their property, and we hope these types of projects will continue in the future.”
Sidestreets is also very active in the local non-profit sector, often acting as a meeting space for volunteers and community leaders outside of their regular hours.
“The Youth Centre has opened its doors to other organizations such Dresden Shines to stage Christmas
decorating and for holding organizational meetings,” said volunteer Liz Kominek, who serves on both the Sidestreets Youth Centre and Dresden BIA Boards and is Co-Chair of the Dresden Shines Committee.
“This newly renovated room will be an even greater asset for future projects and [the building will] continue to serve as a community hub.”
Board members say that these improvements are just the beginning.
They hope to raise enough funds this year to open their doors five days a week so youth can access programming any weekday after school.
They also have plans to partner with another youth-focused non-profit later this year to bring a unique experiential event to Chatham-Kent.
Sidestreets Youth Centre is a place for youth aged 11-17 from Dresden and surrounding areas to meet and socialize.
Their mission is to provide youth with a safe and enjoyable environment where they can have opportunities to learn and grow into positive, productive, and motivated young adults.
Sidestreets opened in July 2000 and operated out of various rental spaces in downtown Dresden.
In 2013, Sidestreets was able to purchase their current building on Main Street in downtown Dresden.
