Children\Youth
This is an excellent time to be a young member of the Smiths Falls community. Smiths Falls offers many programs and services for youth of all ages. Great resources are available through the Smiths Falls Public Library, Smiths Falls Community Services Department, Smiths Falls & District Club for Youth and other service providers such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County, just to name a few. We encourage you to visit the links below and get involved in your community!
If you are a student graduating from high school, we want to stay in touch with you when you are expanding your opportunities and developing your skills for your future career. Our community has plenty to offer you once you are finished college or university. We want you to stay in touch with us so we can track your success and area of expertise. Who knows you may be the town’s newest doctor, carpenter, electrician, chef or even an entrepreneur. No matter what your future goals are, we want you to come back and share your skills with us here in Sensational Smiths Falls!
A great way to stay connected with us is through our community Facebook Page and Youth Blog. If you have questions or need information on services in our community, post a question or comment and we will respond back.
The Smiths Falls Youth Directory is in the process of being created. A resource that lists all services provided for youth by the Town of Smiths Falls, this comprehensive online directory will be available for community groups to post information. Updates and additions to the Smiths Falls Youth Directory can also be made by contacting youth@smithsfalls.ca or 613-283-4124, ext. 1127.
For more information, contact the Town of Smiths Falls Economic Development Department at 613-283-4124, ext. 1127.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County
Our vision at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County is that “Every child in Lanark County who needs a mentor has a mentor.” We have so many roles for people to play in realizing this dream. We are looking for Big Brothers Big Sisters champions to learn about our programs and share that knowledge with potential mentors and funders. To learn how you can play a part in changing someone’s life and to share your magic, call us or visit our website.
Phone: 613-283-0570
Website: www.bigbrothersbigsisterslanark.ca
Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth
Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth is a child and youth mental health agency serving all of Lanark County with three sites, including one in Smiths Falls. The staff at Open Doors is comprised of child and youth mental health specialists who make it possible for children and youth with mental health needs to live, learn and thrive. Services at the Smiths Falls site include: Quick Response, Counselling, Family Resource Team, Early Years and access to Specialised Services (Psychology and Psychiatry).
Nicki Collins (Executive Director)
Amber McCart (Manager of Programs and Services)
Address: 88 Cornelia St. West, Unit A1, Smiths Falls, ON, K7A 5K9
Phone: 613-283-8260 Toll-free: 877-232-8260
Fax: 613-283-8757
E-mail: ncollins@opendoors.on.ca
Website: www.opendoors.on.ca
Skills Link
Open to youth with barriers to employment, Skills Link is a six-month program that runs five days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. An allowance equal to the provincial minimum wage is available to those who participate.
A community-based program, Skills Link offers training in:
- Managing interpersonal relationships;
- Turning obstacles into opportunities;
- Career planning;
- Developing financial plans;
- Conflict resolution;
- Leadership training.
For more information about Skills Link, please contact Tara Cameron at YAK Youth Centre at 613-264-8381 or apply online at www.yakyouth.ca or at your local employment centre.
Smiths Falls & District Centre for Youth
Smiths Falls & District Centre for Youth (SFDCY) serves youth ages 11 – 18 of Smiths Falls and District, offering an after school program on Tuesday to Friday from 2 to 6 p.m.
SFDCY is a non-profit organization offering structured educational programs and activities for youth, with the purpose of developing life skills, employment skills, leadership abilities and good citizenship.
Smiths Falls & District Centre for Youth accomplishes these objectives within a fun and safe environment where youth actively participate in key organizational decision-making with adult mentors and supervision.
- Smoke free building;
- A safe and friendly place;
- Empowers youth to make positive decisions and changes in their lives and community;
- Provides programs that will help develop skills for life;
- Resources available and we refer youth to professional agencies if they find themselves in difficult situations.
Doris Marshall (Executive Director)
Sarrahlynn Wilkinson (Program Coordinator)
Address: P.O. Box 861, 41 Main Street West, Smiths Falls, ON, K7A 1M7
Phone: 613-284-1784; fax: 613-284-1784
E-mail: info@sfdcy.ca
Website: www.sfdcy.ca
Smiths Falls Police Service
The Smiths Falls Police Service is involved in several initiatives aimed at youth, including Adopt-A-School. For further information, visit the police service website at www.sfps.ca.
Smiths Falls Public Library
Throughout the year, the Smiths Falls Public Library offers programming for tweens (ages 11-13). Our goal is to engage this age group through fun, interactive activities and more complex crafts while providing a safe environment for peer interaction. Activities are advertised through our website, local media and library flyers. Feedback and future ideas are welcomed by our Children’s Department.
Main contact: Karen Schecter, Head Librarian
Address: 81 Beckwith St. N. Smiths Falls, ON, K7A 2B9
Phone: 613-283-2911 Fax: 613-283-9834
Email: smithsfallslibrary@vianet.ca
Website: http://www.smithsfallslibrary.ca
