Hamilton Port Authority contributes to CityKidz youth programs

HAMILTON, Ont.– Hamilton Port Authority has opened the doors on a new space for Hamilton youth to gather, work with peers, and connect with mentors.

The new Youth Studio in the City Kidz complex at 601 Burlington Street offers a cool, casual environment with space for lounging, a performance space, and areas for group activities.

The new space has been made possible by a three-year, $60,000 commitment by the Hamilton Port Authority, which will support City Kidz programs and projects, including outfitting the Youth Studio with interior finishings, furniture, audio and video equipment. The Port’s financial contribution from 2011 to 2014 totals more than $250,000, the port said.

City Kidz is one of Hamilton’s best-recognized and most successful organizations for youth in Hamilton. Thousands of families throughout Hamilton have a connection with City Kidz, including the 2,300 children visited personally at their homes every week.

While City Kidz programs for young children are well-established, the organization identified a need to provide experiences and programming to help guide youth aged 12 to 16 through the special challenges of teenager-hood, and equip them with the skills and confidence to set goals and achieve them.

More than 150 young people are involved in the popular youth leadership program, which provides opportunities to develop their leadership and public speaking skills, mentor younger children, and give back to their community.

“As I walk into the Youth Studio, I am thrilled that our youth finally have a place they can uniquely call their own, a place, which has been designed specifically for their program, needs. Honouring our youth is important; so is the fact that this space increases our capacity to reach youth and our effectiveness in doing so. I am most grateful for the continued support of the Hamilton Port Authority, enabling us to have an even greater impact on our community,” said Todd Bender, Founder and Executive Director, City Kidz.

“I have seen first-hand the wonderful work that City Kidz does with young people in our city. Their energy and caring is boundless, and it is a privilege for us to contribute to extending their reach.”

“Building resilience and leadership capacity among young people, especially in our North End community is important to us. As a community partner, we want to help give the young people in our community the opportunity to express themselves, share their dreams, and then develop the skills and passion to achieve them,” said Bruce Wood, President & CEO, Hamilton Port Authority.