The St. Marys Youth Centre is looking to donors to make up for a $8,000 shortfall in funding for the coming year.
The United Way of Perth-Huron, which  has been the key funder of the Youth Centre for a number of years, recently approved a $16,750 grant for the centre’s upcoming fiscal year, which begins April 1.
Annual operating costs at the centre are around $35,000 – $25,000 of which has traditionally come from the United Way; the other $10,000 is raised through fundraisers and private donations. The Town of St. Marys also provides a facility and other associated costs in kind.
The majority of the funding goes towards the salary of the centre’s full-time director, while additional funds cover one part-time employee and operational costs such as office supplies and programming.  
With the rising unemployment rate, resulting in increased demand on United Way services, youth centre board member Andrew Hodges says it’s no surprise the centre’s funding was reduced.
“The United Way is not there to fund something completely; they’re there to start things off,” he adds, “and they’ve done a great job in helping us keep the ball rolling.”
He notes, however, the board was disappointed, noting the news comes just as the centre is making progress in the community. Attendance is up this year by 20 per cent and the centre in the process of expanding its programming through a partnership with the town’s recreation department. Changes have been made at the Pyramid Recreation Centre to accommodate the centre’s junior users.
Not all of the shortfall needs to be made up immediately; however, youth centre director Candace O’Hearn says there are some upfront costs, including the centre’s audit, which is due in May/June. The centre also has no surplus to fall back on, she adds.
Despite the challenge ahead, O’Hearn says she is in no way upset with the United Way.
“They have gone above and beyond with us,” she adds.
The board will take the next 30 days to reach out to past donors and organizations for support, says Hodges, who adds the board has talked about short-term ways to save money. He says the centre cannot continue to operate year-to-year relying heavily on fundraising, and that the centre needs long-term, stable funding.  
As for what decisions will be made if the fundraising comes up short, Hodges says the board would wait to make any decisions until the time came.
“There may be some things that can be done, but that’s all I can say. The people who are responsible for making those changes haven’t said yes or no.
“Our goal right now is to focus on raising the money and seeing where we stand at the end of the month.”