Foundry Victoria Expands Partnership with Island Health
We have big news! After many years of partnership with Foundry Victoria and the Victoria Youth Clinic Society, we are excited to announce that Island Health will be deepening their support of Foundry Victoria by assuming operational leadership.
There will be no disruption in service for clients. Young people and families/caregivers who rely on Foundry Victoria will continue to receive the care and the support they need through this transition.
We know there is a great need for health and wellness support for youth ages 12-24 in greater Victoria, and that this need is only growing. After much reflection and consideration on how to best meet the needs of our community, Victoria Youth Clinic Society’s Board of Directors (VYCS), Island Health, and Foundry Central Office (FCO) have unanimously agreed to position Island Health as Foundry Victoria’s lead agency moving forward.
The lead agency transition will be effective July 2nd, 2024. FCO, Island Health, and the VYCS Board of Directors remain deeply committed to our common goal of supporting youth and their caregivers to receive the health and wellness services they need. Our commitment to being a safe and supportive space has not changed, and many things about Foundry Victoria will still look the same during this transition. Foundry Victoria will continue to offer our services in our bright and beautiful downtown space at 546 Yates St, including mental health and substance use support, physical and sexual health care, peer support and social services.
The VYCS Board of Directors and FCO are deeply grateful to Island Health for agreeing to take on the role of lead agency for Foundry Victoria. Island Health has been a keen and active partner and funder with VYCS for many years, including in the planning and development of Foundry Victoria. Over the years, Island Health has also worked closely with VYCS and provided health care expertise, linked teams, directed funding through contracts and provided in-kind contributions through on-site Island Health staff. We strongly believe that there is a bright future ahead for Foundry Victoria under their wing.
VYCS’s Board of Directors are also grateful for the phenomenal leadership and selfless service that staff, physicians, volunteers, and former Board members have shown for the past 26 years; from our grassroots beginnings as a small health clinic to establishing Foundry Victoria and leading its operations since it officially opened in 2018. No matter the project our team stayed dedicated to meeting young people where they’re at and supporting the health and wellness needs of youth on the South Island.
To learn more about how to access services at Foundry Victoria, visit foundrybc.ca/victoria.
To read Foundry BC’s announcement about the transition, please visit https://foundrybc.ca/expanded-partnership
FAQ
Q: Will I need to rebook any appointments I already have booked? What about groups? Will the process for booking appointments change?
A: No, all appointments currently booked will not be impacted. Groups like Queer Drop-In and Indigenous Wellness will also continue as usual. There will be no impact to process for booking appointments. To learn more about booking services through Foundry Victoria, visit foundrybc.ca/victoria.
Q: I would like to donate to Foundry Victoria to support the centre. How can I do that going forward?
A: As of July 2nd, 2024 the Victoria Youth Clinic Society will no longer be collecting donations for Foundry Victoria. Instead, donations can be made to our partner, St. Paul’s Foundation. While they support many causes, St. Paul’s Foundation has established a dedicated fund for Foundry Victoria and will ensure that all donations made to support the centre will be directed back to us. We are so grateful for the support of donors and community champions who make our work possible. Donations can be made through this link: https://secure.helpstpauls.com/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30116b?df_id=2781&2781
Q: Are there any other Foundry centres led by Health Authorities?
A: Other Foundry centres operated by health authorities include Foundry North Shore and Foundry Richmond (Vancouver Coastal Health), and Foundry Chilliwack (in development) (Fraser Health).
Q: What about the staff and physicians? Will I still be able to see the same provider?
A: We understand that feeling safe and comfortable with your doctor, peer support worker, counsellor, or other provider is just as important as feeling safe and comfortable in the clinic itself. Building relationships and trust takes time. Island Health and FCO are working closely with VYCS to create transition plans for its staff and physicians.