A southwest treatment centre for youth opened its doors in Swift Current two years ago as of this month and is celebrating its presence and impact in the community. 

Southwest Youth Emergency Services Inc. (YES), fondly known as Dorie’s House, offers programs, beds, and support for adolescents across the southwest.  

Executive Director of the shelter, Rebecca Donnelly, is excited for the non-profit to celebrate the milestone of opening their doors by once again hosting Dorie's Days. 

“Each year we want to honour this occasion with an event for one, we want to say thank you to our community, who have been an incredible support for all that we do,” she said. “We’re continually impressed and grateful. And really to give all youth in Swift Current area a day of fun. No matter what situation they’re in, they’re dealing with things, and we want them to have an opportunity to come and do some activities and let go and have fun.”  

The Dorie’s House crew will be out cleaning up around the community and extending thank-yous to neighbours, businesses, and individuals tomorrow.  

A free backyard barbecue offering vegetarian options with activities and prizes will be set up at the shelter on Saturday afternoon, starting at 1:30 p.m. for at least four hours throughout the evening.

“One thing that we want to make sure that we are continually putting out there, is that we are here for youth,” Donnelly said. “This Dorie’s Days is an opportunity to welcome youth in to get to know us, to get connected to some of what we do, have a chance to check out the facility, and also to give back to the community. Everyone is welcome no matter what situation you come from, no matter who you are, you are welcome to come to Dorie’s Days' Youth Day.  

“Our goal is to empower youth throughout the southwest and the province. We provide this opportunity in a variety of ways—education, support (resources, safe shelter, treatment), connecting them to healthy relationships and community, and having fun activities where they can grow their confidence, their ways of managing and their own sense of self.”

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