The York Centre for Children, Youth and Families

Brenda Hogg, Deputy Mayor Richmond Hill

The York Centre for Children, Youth and Families is one of Richmond Hill’s best kept secrets and one of its greatest treasures. Annually, they offer guidance and support to approximately 1500 children, youths and their families who are experiencing social, emotional, behavioural or mental health problems. For the families who need such assistance, this is a lifeline.

People are reluctant to admit to illness especially when that illness affects their child. We are particularly reluctant to admit to mental illness. However, fear and avoidance will not make the symptoms better but intensive programs designed to support and encourage the child and their family has seen some tremendous results.

Last month government officials and the workers and friends of the York Centre gathered at their old, ramshackle building on Leslie Street, north of Elgin Mills to celebrate their ground breaking ceremony. After the political speeches and while the children waited patiently, one young man and his mother stood together at the podium. He is just beginning high school and tells us that he has been working to overcome his anxiety. This, he tells us will be his first public speech. His speech was delivered almost effortlessly and awarded him a standing ovation. Then it was his mother’s turn. She spoke candidly of her fears for her son, his behavioural problems and the phone calls from the school to her work. The son she knew at home was not the same young lad at school. Teachers found him difficult and disruptive. She would have to leave work to pick him up and take him home. She worried about her job and her son. She believed that she was failing as a parent.

The day she was interviewed by the staff at the York Centre, she remembered their interest in her well-being. She had been so concerned for her son’s behaviour that she did not realize that this was a family problem and would not improve without support for the entire family.

These stories are common to the York Centre. Richmond Hill is proud to support their efforts and to have given them a $1 million grant toward their buildings. But much more is needed. As the children reminded us, “You have given us our foundation, the cornerstones and walls but we still need a roof.”

Since you have read this story this far, you may be someone or know someone who might help them get their roof. For more information, I invite you to call me at 905-771-2498 or bhogg@richmondhill.ca