Every youth deserves to have a place where they feel they belong, where they can thrive and grow. At Trellis we work to shelter children and youth ages 12 and up in safe spaces, and to connect them with relationships that are healthy and that help them. We cannot do this work alone.

In 2021 MEG Energy made a commitment to support mental health programming in the communities where they operate.

Today, we are thrilled to announce a new two-year, $200,000 partnership with MEG Energy in support of our Emergency Shelter & Youth Housing programs. This will support home maintenance and enhancement opportunities for our group homes, youth shelter and other youth housing facilities. We know that so much development happens for youth in the teenage phase of life, and thanks to generous donors like MEG Energy, the team at Trellis is able to work to meet these youth where they are at and help them find the right natural supports, resources and communities that will support them.

In 2020, Trellis Society supported over 300 children and youth in our Group Care and Housing-First programs. The young people who come through our doors are from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds, races, religions and genders. Many are struggling with their mental health, social isolation, substance abuse and sometimes family violence. And while provincial funding provides critical basics for youth in care, there is a constant need for site improvements to ensure well-being and safety – including mental health.

With the help of MEG Energy, we will be able to create spaces and environments that encourage youth to dream big and that help them to continue to work towards their goals.

The MEG Energy team has already started supporting Trellis this past month in a really exciting way! On Thursday, October 6th, the Youth Housing team delivered warm, catered Thanksgiving meals to all of the youth in our housing-first programs. This year alongside a wonderful meal, they also got to deliver bags filled with groceries and hygiene items that were pulled together by the team at MEG Energy. Some of these youth wouldn’t otherwise have a Thanksgiving dinner or the additional groceries to bring them further into the chill of fall with extra food security.

Thank you so much MEG Energy and Team for your intentional gift that will have such an impact on youth during a challenging time in their lives. Your commitment to supporting mental health programming for this generation of youth is critical. These past two years have been challenging, and you are giving the youth and the Trellis team hope for improved futures.

We are excited to work with you and your team!

MEG Energy Commits $200,000 to Trellis Society's Youth Housing Programs