News release - Barrie Public Library
The Barrie Public Library (BPL) is excited to announce that two members of our BPL Leaders & Innovative Teens (LIT) group have been awarded funding from the United Way Simcoe Muskoka's Youth United Grant. Youth United is an entirely youth-driven program for young people ages 15-30 that provides one-time micro-grants to help support youth-led projects in the County of Simcoe, the District of Muskoka and the Town of the Blue Mountains.
Youth Lead Samiksha Gopinath was awarded $5000 to bring a Youth United Speaker Series to BPL locations from the end of January to the beginning of March. This speaker series will cover a range of topics including environmentalism, confidence, diversity, and belonging. The first 20 participants at each speaker event will receive a library Swag Bag.
"This youth-led series serves as a starting point for meaningful conversations," says Brian Shelley, Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer, United Way Simcoe Muskoka. "United Way Simcoe Muskoka's commitment of Youth United funds speaks to our belief in the power of dialogue to foster inclusivity, knowledge-sharing, and positive change in Simcoe County. Engaging in discussions on crucial topics such as understanding diverse identities, empowering young female entrepreneurs, and addressing mental health and addiction is a collective step towards a more inclusive community.”
Youth Lead Dominic Nguyen was also awarded $5000 from United Way Simcoe Muskoka for the Youth Essentials Program. The program will provide essentials supply bags for residents of Barrie's Youth Haven. Collingwood Public Library will also be helping distribute the supply bags through Home Horizon Youth Transitional Support Program.
“We are very proud of Samiksha and Dominic,” says Sandra Sydor, Barrie Public Library's Manager of Community Engagement. “These remarkable teens have created a spark of positive change, and I have no doubt that the programs they've created and championed will leave a lasting impact on our community."
Learn more about the Youth United Speaker Series on our Events Calendar.
Banner image supplied - Barrie Public Library
