The Hub opens Monday.
Renovations to the eastern portion of St. Luke's United Church are complete and youth ages 16-24 will be welcomed through the doors this week.
Hub Committee Co-Chair Teri Thomas-Vanos says they plan to focus now on securing funding to enhance the existing service delivery.
She says they've submitted a capital grant request to Lambton County Council in the amount of $164,250.
"We have asked for things like some computers and associated equipment to help youth have access to technology and also to facilitate outreach and connection with county youth," says Thomas-Vanos. "We've asked for things like additional kitchen supplies to help fill the great kitchen that we've created in St. Luke's. We have a primary healthcare space that's being supported by West Lambton Community Health Centre and a dental hygienist. So, there will be access to a nurse practitioner and dental support for youth."
Thomas-Vanos says the funding would also support upgrades to the HVAC system, a recreation space and the purchasing of a van to help youth in the county access services.
"It's been an ongoing issue," says Thomas-Vanos. "We have a very large footprint here in Lambton County, so youth span quite a distance and having the Hub at one central location in Sarnia is great for youth who are within the city, but we're continuously looking for opportunities to reach out to our rural youth who are more marginalized and isolated. Obviously having increased transportation support will enable us to travel both ways to bring services to them or collect youth and bring them in to meet with a service provider that might be available at the Hub."
Thomas-Vanos says in addition to their fundraising, donations and grant writing, they are still hoping for annual funding from senior government.