Wood’s Homes has announced a $4 million capital campaign in Lethbridge.
Officials said the project will focus on creating a new, more spacious and permanent home for the Lethbridge Opportunity Hub, which currently operates out of a rented space in the downtown core. The hub offers essential services for young people in need, to help them build relationships and navigate resources that can help them move forward.
The capital campaign is dubbed Through It ALL: Lethbridge and will set up a lasting foundation for the work done by Wood’s Homes in the local region.
Officials said the group has purchased the new, larger building and its purchase, development and design will help expand mental health care in the community.
The $4 million campaign is built around two priorities:
- Priority 1 – A Permanent, Bigger Home ($1 million): This part of the project focused on securing a permanent home for the Lethbridge Opportunity Hub to provide long-term stability, more space for youth in need, reductions in ongoing maintenance costs, and allowing Wood’s Homes to reinvest resources into frontline programs. Officials said ownership will allow Wood’s Homes to design a modern and innovative space for young people to access multiple services.
- Priority 2 – A Platform for What Comes Next ($3 million): Officials said they will build on the hub model by boosting mental health care through new partnerships in the community, housing and employment services, and increasing capacity for Wood’s Homes Youth Support Navigation, Family and Natural Supports, Crisis and Resource Support, and other programs. This includes creating a more integrated youth hub, as well as exploring supportive and transitional housing, while developing pathways to employment and training opportunities.
“Every young person deserves a place where they feel supported, where someone knows their name, and where they can find help, or opportunities, when they need it,” said Wood’s Homes COO, Krista West. “This investment gives us the extra space and stability to keep that promise in Lethbridge.”
West added, “It’s more than a building, it’s about creating opportunities to reach more young people and families, grow and strengthen our hub services and ensure no one has to navigate life’s challenges alone.”
LOCAL SUPPORT
The campaign has received a $500,000 from the Tymko family and Wood’s Homes said thanks to community donors and different fundraising initiatives, the group was able to purchase the new hub location.
“Wood’s Homes has been there for our family through it all. They supported us as we navigated some of the most difficult and challenging times in our lives, always meeting us with compassion, understanding, and absolutely no judgment,” said Trina Tymko.
“Being able to help purchase a building with Wood’s Homes to house the Opportunity Hub is a legacy we are incredibly proud to leave for our community. It is an opportunity to give back in a meaningful and lasting way, helping ensure that future generations have access to the support, resources, and hope they deserve.”
Tymko added, “We believe deeply in the mission of Wood’s Homes, in the people behind the work, and in the difference they make every single day. We are honoured to be part of building something that will continue to serve our community for years to come.”
YEARS OF SERVICE
Wood’s Homes has been supporting local youth for 40 years through its various programs.
“This campaign is an invitation for the Lethbridge community to help expand our Lethbridge Opportunity Hub services and eliminate barriers for young people,” said West.
“We’ve seen what can happen when a young person has someone alongside them who believes in them and refuses to give up. With support of this community, we can build something modern and innovative, making sure more young people have the opportunity to thrive.”
For more on the campaign and how to get involved, contact director of philanthropy and community Bryan Goehringer at bryan.goehringer@woodshomes.ca, or coordinator of community and fundraising in Lethbridge Carrie Dahl at carrie.dahl@woodshomes.ca.
