Foundry East Kootenay is celebrating its first anniversary after opening its doors on May 23, 2024, and delivering a full year of life-changing support to youth and families across the region.
Part of a provincial network of youth wellness centres, Foundry East Kootenay provides free access to medical care, mental health services, substance use support, peer counselling, and social services—in one space for youth aged 12 to 24.
Over the past year, more than 500 young people have accessed services at the Cranbrook-based centre.
As a walk-in facility with no need for appointments or waitlists, Foundry East Kootenay has become a crucial early intervention hub in the community, especially for those seeking timely mental health and wellness support.
“The need is real, and so is the impact,” said one team member at the anniversary celebration.
“We’ve seen youth come in during moments of crisis—and leave with the support and connection they need to take the next step forward.”
The centre is led by Ktunaxa Kin-basket Child and Family Service Society (KKCFSS) and is grounded in Indigenous values.
From the beginning, the centre was designed in partnership with youth and community members to make the space felt welcoming, empowering, and reflective of local identity.
As part of the anniversary event, Foundry staff unveiled their new mascot, “Rock the Groundhog”, affectionately named Nuki, which means “rock” in Ktunaxa.
The groundhog was chosen to symbolize youth as a community’s early signal—revealing the social and emotional temperature of the region.
Foundry East Kootenay continues to work in close collaboration with numerous local partners, including Street Angels, Anchors, CMHA, the Ktunaxa Nation Council, and many others.
According to Foundry, these partnerships help ensure youth can access a seamless web of care.
As the centre enters its second year, the focus remains the same: connecting youth and families to the care they need, when and how they need it.
To learn more or get involved, visit foundrybc.ca/eastkootenay.
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