A planned downtown youth mental health facility is getting a boost from The Judith & Norman Alix Foundation.

The foundation is investing $150,000 towards the renovation of Bluewater Health’s ACCESS Open Minds site on Front Street, which is now expected to open in January.

The funding is a part of $345,000 the foundation is investing across the community. At a recent meeting, the foundation’s board approved funding for the ACCESS Open Minds site, along with four other local projects:

– $75,000 to the Alzheimer Society Sarnia Lambton for a day program, patio expansion
and outdoor programming space

– $75,000 to St. Vincent de Paul for the purchase of a box truck and loading ramp for food
and clothing pick-up and delivery

– $5,000 to the March of Dimes, Standing Oaks for the purchase of new equipment and
furniture

– $40,000 to PointSar Marine Rescue for the purchase of new outboard motors for the
boat operated by the Canada Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 512

In a release, the Alix Foundation said it has advanced more than $5 million, to over 30 community projects, during its 30 year history.