Liberty for Youth finds new home in east end

Liberty for Youth has always been a cause that hit more than close to home for Frederick Dryden.

Next week, the local nonprofit, charitable organization will outgrow that home in both the physical and visionary senses.

Liberty for Youth, which focuses on intervention and prevention for youth at risk for gang involvement, poverty or negative environments, has been based in Drydens West 4th Street residence on the Mountain since 2003.

On Aug. 1, Dryden and his four other staff members are moving from the 600-square-feet basement office into a 3,200-square-feet former book store on King Street East in the citys east end.

Weve now totally outgrown this place, and the building will be a new exciting chapter, Dryden said. It will allow us to really grow, (and) provide support and housing for the youth in our programs returning to school.

The new space, east of Kenilworth Avenue, is expected to increase the charitys services by more than 55 per cent, Dryden said. This includes housing for a maximum of four high-risk young people finishing post-secondary education, a drop-in centre providing free meals and a potential program for teenage girls.

The agency was able to swing an $87,000 downpayment for the new facility after receiving two $10,000 donations, one from the Charity of Hope and the other from the Rexall Foundation.

It is rolling out a formal campaign this fall with the goal of raising $300,000 in three years to pay off the mortgage and do renovations.

Ron Foxcroft, the campaigns honorary chair, Fluke Transport CEO and founder of Fox 40 International, said the new premises in Ward 4 gives the charity instant credibility.

What it symbolizes to me is that it is a building where good things are happening through motivation and through hope, counselling and mentoring, he said. I think its a great symbol, and the location is perfect because Im really sold on the east end of Hamilton.

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Liberty for Youth finds new home in east end