Sparking hope in Kimberley’s youth

The LEES Youth Learning Centre provides options for teens

Bev Middlebrook teaches at-risk teens valuable employment skills through an on-site used bookstore near Kimberley’s platzl. —Photo by Tanya Laing Gahr

by Tanya Laing Gahr

Bev Middlebrook is passionate about the kids who drop in every week at B.C.’s longest lasting youth centre. The Life Entrepreneurial and Employment Skills (LEES) Youth Learning Centre and Spark Drop-In Centre, just off the platzl in Kimberley, have been in operation for over 15 years, providing marginalized teens with a place to go. The centre was originally known as the Lee Haskell Youth Centre, named after a young man from Kimberley who was killed in the early ’90s and who is still honoured today with the new name and focus of the building. Middlebrook admits that the youth centre hasn’t always enjoyed a positive reputation in Kimberley—troubled teens can cause mischief—but she is endeavouring to help improve that image while providing employment opportunities for the kids and giving them reasons to feel like a part of the greater community. h3. New projects “What we’re creating in the front half (of the building) is a used CDs, music and bookstore,” said Middlebrook. “And why that will work is location, location, location.” The youth centre and bookstore will be operated in conjunction with each other, with some of the teens-at-risk who frequent the centre learning valuable work skills. The store fills a vacancy in Kimberley; Middlebrook reported that people are already stopping by to ask when it will be open. Books and shelves have been donated and Middlebrook says that computer and Internet access will also be a part of the services offered. “The other cool thing is that when you are a non-profit organization, the word is sustainability,” said Middlebrook, who hopes the income generated from sales can help fund the centre, easing the dependence on outside funding. h3. Employment opportunities Part of the initiatives that Middlebrook is working on bringing to the centre involves employment programs that will teach teens the skills necessary for various types of employment. The goal is to support them in the transition to work while fostering relationships with businesses and business leaders acting as mentors. Middlebrook has been working to give the centre a face lift—fresh paint and furniture and a cheerful mural on the exterior—as well as a profile lift. The city council has approved a recommendation from Middlebrook to have a LEES/Spark week in December. “It will be called ‘The Centre of Opportunity gives back to the community,’ ” said Middlebrook. “We want the youth to become part of the community.”

Key Kimberley contacts

Cranbrook, BC

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies

Occupying more than 1,250 acres, Forest Crowne is the largest master planned community in the area, which is bordered by the 2,300-acre Kimberley Nature Park, Mark Creek, Kimberley Municipal Golf Course—and will have connections to the Kimberley Alpine Resort and to Nordic Ski trails.

We have single family lots (phase 3) available to purchase to build your own dream home. For those who want to buy a finished home, Eagles Nest Homes offers one- and two-storey cottages with steep roof pitches, long covered porches, multi-paned windows, old fashioned details and the genuine neighbourly feeling of communities past. Imagine single family homes for under $300,000!

United Communities (Forest Crowne)

www.forestcrowne.com
Richmond, BC

PHONE: 1-800-663-2872

Pacific Coastal Airlines Ltd

www.pacificcoastal.com
Kimberley, BC

Bootleg Gap Golf

www.bootleggapgolf.com