BONNYVILLE – The Hive Youth Hub by Kickstand opened its doors in Bonnyville three years ago, and to celebrate their anniversary, the community was invited to a birthday party with cake, refreshments, speeches, and an opportunity to explore their vibrant building and its new renovations.
Through partnerships, grants, and municipal support, the Hive became a reality three years ago, and in the last fiscal year The Hive hit record attendance numbers with 2,348 youth using the facility. Over the last few months, they have hit record numbers of around 250 youth visiting per month, with high numbers of youth coming to The Hive for the first time.
The anniversary event took place on June 12 and featured a video compilation where youth spoke about their favourite things about the Hive. One of the highlights was how much the youth love the supportive staff who make the space welcoming and fun. The youth commented on how nice it is to have a comfortable space to hang out with their friends, do their homework, and connect with others when they're feeling lonely.
Grace MacLellan, operations lead with The Hive, addressed the crowd, saying how amazing it was to be surrounded by the “buzzing, beautiful energy” during the celebration and grand re-opening following the final phase of their renovations.
“Thank you for being part of the heart and soul of this place. This isn't just a building. It's a hive, and just like a real hive. It's always evolving, always growing, and alive with purpose,” said Grace.
She explained that the dream to create a youth hub, where youth could feel safe, valued, and empowered, started six years ago.
"We sat as community members, agencies, and youth, gathered at the back of Boston Pizza, to brainstorm what it could look like. All the youth there wanted a physical building - a place to go. And that place didn't just serve young people, but as you can see, it helped shape them,” said Grace.
She also spoke about the transformation of the space and the expanding programming, partnerships, and services.
“I think what really matters is how the people inside here have grown. Our youth have become leaders, mentors and change-makers. Their voices guide our direction, and they always will. Our youth matter. They feel their value, their importance, and their worth, because we tell them every single day,” said Grace.
The Hive has a motto of “our door is the right door,” welcoming youth to show up with whatever problems they may face.
“Sometimes we need to give them a warm hand-off and walk them somewhere else, but we really try to do it here. Whether it is counselling, medical care, employment supports, or simply a hot drink and someone to talk to - this is the place where needs are met with dignity and compassion,” said Grace.
She told the crowd that, over her 20+ years working in education, this is the best job she has ever had, and commended the staff for their dedication, creativity, and heart.
“This is a space for all youth, regardless of background, identity, passion, or need. Everyone deserves a place to belong. This is that space . . . Every day, I get to watch lives change. And sometimes, just as importantly, [youth] begin to believe in themselves again. I feel like I get to make a difference, every day here,” said Grace.
Zoey MacLellan is part of The Hive’s Youth Advisory and spoke about the impact their services have had on her own wellbeing. The Hive offers youth counselling with Penny Vasseur and has a regular visiting physician, Dr. VanZijl, so youth can access a doctor at The Hive twice a month.
“I've been part of the Hive since its very beginnings, [and] I started in high school. I'm going into my third year of university for a Bachelor of Psychology . . . and I’m really thankful that I was able to return to the community as a youth and get access to services here - and also being provided opportunities to volunteer. As you can see, this facility is beautiful and super welcoming. The staff are so kind and obviously all the kids love them,” said Zoey.
Town of Bonnyville Mayor Elisa Brosseau attended the anniversary celebration and spoke of the hard work put in to make The Hive such a success.
“This project really was something born out of passion. It was something that our youth just did not have, and it blows me away every time we come in how there's always something new added,” said Brosseau.
Bernie Portas, District 12 Captain for the Métis Nation of Alberta, joined The Hive’s celebration, commenting on all the beautiful work the organization has done, and presented them with a Métis sash to hang on the wall.
