ESTEVAN — April is bringing in a number of changes for the Estevan Public Youth Centre (EPYC), offering programming for students in Grades 7-12.
Starting April 8, Merissa Scarlett joined the EPYC as their new executive director. She is currently getting the centre ready for reopening and working on new programs, while the board is preparing for their second annual cornhole tournament fundraiser, slated for April 27, from 3-11 p.m. at Wylie-Mitchell Hall.
Scarlett brings vast and diverse experience to the centre. She is from Sudbury, Ont., moved to Saskatchewan in 2011 and came to Estevan from Regina about two years ago.
"I fell in love with Saskatchewan," Scarlett said. "It's the kindness of the people here. I'm just blown away. And moving from Regina to Estevan, I'm even more impressed with the community. I'm just blown away with how much companies and organizations support each other."
After moving to Estevan, Scarlett joined the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre board and quickly became a chairwoman. Through that, she learned more about EPYC and ended up leading the youth organization, bringing a rich experience to the table.
"I have a non-profit background. I used to run programming at the Science Centre, I used to run the adults' … and all sorts of public programs, as well as do community outreach. I've seen a lot of Saskatchewan that a lot of people haven't seen, I've been in a lot of schools and libraries. From there, I went into radio sales, and I was selling radio for a few years. That was a great experience for me," Scarlett shared.
"I think the combo of those two experiences, as well as my volunteer experience on the provincial board with the Museums Association of Saskatchewan, where I learned how to govern and be on a board and really understand non-profits, is a great combination to be an executive director of the youth centre."
She noted that the background in doing things on tight budgets, understanding grants and how funding cycles work will also help in this position.
"Hiring Merissa was definitely a part of the longevity and the future of the centre within the Estevan community," said Michelle Walsh, the EPYC acting chairwoman.
Now Scarlett is working on reorganizing the youth centre and getting it ready for the reopening.
"The biggest priority for myself is sponsorships, grant writing and getting funding in place just to stabilize the programming. That's number 1. Number 2 is building the volunteer base, getting volunteers in to help mentoring and starting to build that pool of people. And then three, is reopening to the youth with a variety of programs, different programs than what we've been seeing, more programs that involve community members, maybe some more career-focused stuff, but also fun things – some art, I would love to do some science, that's my background, technology," said Scarlett.
"Really building on partnerships and getting people in the centre, because from what I've been doing my research on the youth centre is only successful if the community feels like they own part of it as well. And that's what I want it to feel like. These are my priorities.
"Right now, I'm cleaning things up and moving some stuff around with the board in the next couple of weeks. We don't have an official opening day yet. I'm hoping for the end of April – early May. I want it to be pretty quick. But stay tuned on our Facebook and socials for updates."
Walsh noted that they always welcome volunteers and donations to keep the youth centre available to all local students.
"We're always open to donations. We have a great lineup of programming coming for the use of Estevan, and we want to keep that programming free. We have some new board members signing on, as we are doing our annual general meeting next week," said Walsh.
"And we're always looking for weekly volunteers at the centre as well. We still need lots of donations to keep running these programs and get them going and off the ground. Merissa is going to be making a tone of great announcements very shortly, so I think the youth in Estevan are going to be very well provided for when it comes to having an avenue for great programming and great resources," Walsh said.
Scarlett added she is working with the board and with their youth rep Osama Kamel to incorporate ideas into their operations.
"Once we open, I will be asking the youth for what they want to see, and I'd like to see what their parents would like to also have here because I want to make sure it appeals to the parents so they feel good about registering their kids for programs," Scarlett said.
"I'm excited about the potential for the youth centre in the community, and to work with community partners. If anybody has an idea for youth between 12 and 18 and they just want to chat, please email me, call me … to have that conversation."
The board and the new director welcome ideas. People can give Scarlett a call on the EPYC line at (306) 421-3134 or message directly through the Estevan Public Youth Centre Facebook page.
In the meantime, the registration for the cornhole tournament is now open. The deadline is April 24. The fee is $80 per team of two. First-place winners will take home $800, second $500, and third place will be rewarded with $200. The best-dressed team will also be recognized with a prize.
"You don't have to be a pro. It's definitely something you can do beginner or not. And it's a lot of fun. We had great success last year, and we're looking forward to it being even bigger and better this year," Walsh said.
Food and drinks will be available. All participants and attendees must be 19 years old.
The Estevan Kinettes are the sponsor and will be helping at the event.
