It's a boost for Vernon teens from a local company.
Bobcat of Vernon has donated $5,000 to Teen Junction to help support youth programming, including the Junction's LifeSkills Program, aimed to help young people build confidence and essential tools for everyday life.
Teen Junction is a safe and welcoming drop-in centre for Vernon teens.
Operated by BGC Okanagan, it serves youth ages 13 to 20. Open weekday afternoons and evenings, the centre provides a hot meal, access to laundry and showers, food hampers, tutoring during the school year, and daily activities – all free of charge.
In addition to meeting basic needs, the centre offers structured programming, like LifeSkills, to help young people prepare for adulthood.
“Bobcat of Vernon is proud to support the work Teen Junction is doing in our community,” said David Green, Bobcat of Vernon president. “We believe in investing in young people and giving them a solid foundation. Programs like LifeSkills provide the tools youth need to build confidence, make informed choices, and succeed in life – skills that are valuable no matter where life takes them.”
The LifeSkills Program focuses on everyday practical knowledge that’s not always taught in school.
Through group sessions and hands-on activities, youth learn communication and problem-solving skills, time and money management, emotional awareness, and more. The program is open to all youth who attend the drop-in and is shaped around what the participants want to learn.
“These are the kinds of things that help youth feel more in control of their lives,” said Sara Isaac, program coordinator at Teen Junction. “Whether it’s learning how to budget for groceries or how to manage stress, we tailor the LifeSkills Program to meet them where they’re at. Support from Bobcat of Vernon allows us to continue providing that guidance.”
The centre operates as a low-barrier space, meaning no referrals, fees, or forms are required to participate. Many of the youth who come through its doors face barriers like food insecurity, housing instability, or strained family relationships. For them, Teen Junction is more than a program, it’s a place where they can show up as themselves, find connection, and learn at their own pace.
“We’ve seen so many youth come through here unsure of what they want, or what they’re capable of,” Isaac said. “Then they start learning new skills, get involved, and you see this spark. It’s amazing what happens when young people are given an opportunity.”
Bobcat of Vernon’s donation will directly support supplies, guest speakers, and activities for the LifeSkills Program and other youth-led initiatives at the club. As more youth learn about the services offered at Teen Junction, staff say this kind of community support makes all the difference.
“It’s more than a donation. It’s a message to the youth that our community believes in them,” said Isaac. “And that goes a long way.”
