Dear Editor,
RE: After Helping Thousands of Desperate Kids, North Shore Youth Safe House Founder Retires
In no way do I wish to diminish the contributions of Nanette Taylor to the North Shore Youth Safe House. However, in order to correct the record, the founding of the North Shore Safe House involved many community members along with our local municipal government and the federal government. Hollyburn Family Services was contracted to operate the facility
The North Shore Family Court and Youth Justice Committee, under the very capable leadership of Jane Baynham, led an initiative to provide emergency safe shelter for our youth. After significant research and many hours of negotiation, Jane and her committee, along with members of the federal government, the District of North Vancouver and the committee worked tirelessly to open the North Shore Youth Safe House.
Operating funds were provided by the federal housing strategy in the form of “skippy grants,” the home was donated by the District of North Vancouver, countless volunteers provided goods and services and Hollyburn Community Services Society was contracted to run the Safe House.
After just over a year and following a change in the federal government, the annual federal funding dried up. The North Shore Youth Safe House was closed.
An anonymous and very generous North Shore citizen donated more than $300,000.00 and the North Shore Youth Safe House was reopened. It has operated ever since to help our vulnerable youth in time of need.
Cathy Still
Former member of the North Shore Family Court and Youth Justice Committee
North Vancouver
