A local hangout for young people in LaSalle is facing an uncertain future.
The LaSalle Hangout for Youth, a free service for area young people looking for a place to go after school and during the summer, is facing the possibility of closure if they are unable to come up with the money needed to keep the doors open.
The lease for the centre's current location on Front Rd. is up at the end of January, according to Brian Kovacsi, the centre's media director and a board member.
The centre had moved there earlier this year from a church basement, and Kovacsi says financial problems are rearing their ugly head at the wrong time.
"The current issues we have are paying our rent, as well as our clientele. The number of youth coming in, has expanded over the past year" says Kovacsi. "We've been trying to keep up with the services, as well as manage the rent of our permanent location."
Kovacsi says the centre may have to close at the end of January unless they can raise the money.
The rent for the building comes to roughly $2,000 a month, and thousands more are needed for hydro, utilities, phone and internet service, as well as snacks, and incidentals.
The hangout is a service for youth aged 12 to 19, and is open after school each weekday except Friday, according to its official website. It is also open on periodic Saturdays, plus personal-development days, the winter holiday break, and March Break. Comprehensive summer programs are also available.
Kovacsi says the centre, which is completely volunteer-run, is ideal for youth who otherwise may not have a place to go after school.
He says the centre offers some services that are unique to LaSalle.
"This includes homework help for all the kids who come in," says Kovacsi. "We have certain programs which include our financial literacy program... also we host counseling services at our location."
Kovacsi says these counseling services have a three-week long waiting list.
The hangout is undergoing a series of fundraising projects, including accepting private donations, and applying for grants. Kovacsi says they are also approaching area businesses and corporations seeking help with sponsorships.
