Lennoxville Youth Centre members, staff, and board members gathered June 4 for its annual general meeting. Photo by William Crooks
Lennoxville Youth Center holds annual general meeting
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
On June 4, the Lennoxville Youth Center (LYC) held its annual general meeting (AGM) at its headquarters on Queen Street. The meeting was a comprehensive review of the past year’s activities, financial health, and a presentation of the budget and action plan for the upcoming year. A jovial and light-hearted atmosphere pervaded the event; participants snacked on pizza and traded jokes as the meeting unfolded.
The meeting began with the appointment of the president and secretary of the assembly. Marie-Eve Mailhot, the president, and Ashley Coulombe, the secretary, were nominated and confirmed in their respective roles. Attendees were officially welcomed and informed of the meeting’s agenda. The last names of youth members in this article have been omitted for reasons of confidentiality.
Review of past activities
Corissa Mullin, the interim executive director during Brooklynn Roy’s maternity leave, presented the annual activity report for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, emphasizing the center’s dedication to fostering positive change and community engagement.
“We are committed to further growth, learning, and inspiring resilience within our community,” Mullin said.
In the report, youth member Landon reflected on the year’s experiences, noting the enjoyment and educational value of trips and events.
The LYC had a vibrant and engaging year from 2023 to 2024, marked by robust participation and a variety of activities. With 1,108 visits and 93 planned and spontaneous activities, the center offered a rich program for youth between 12 and 17.
Notable activities included a garage sale fundraiser, Halloween community event, and a summer trip to Ottawa, where members explored the Natural History Museum and ByWard Market.
The center’s schedule, open from Tuesday to Friday evenings, will eventually extend to full days during the summer. Activities ranged from educational initiatives like Homework Nights and Healthy Cooking Workshops to physical pursuits such as hikes, bike trips, and laser tag. Special events like ‘Egg Day’ combined fun with learning, covering topics from human fertility to egg cooking tips.
Collaboration with local schools and community events further enriched the youth experience. Weekly lunch-hour animations at Alexander Galt Regional High School included relay races, board games, and video game tournaments, fostering social interaction and learning.
The LYC also participated in community clean-ups and festivals, reinforcing community ties. Mailhot in the report commended the dedication of the youth and staff, and looked forward to future growth and activities.
Financial statements
Stacey Loomis from Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton presented the financial statements for the year ending March 31, 2024. The LYC reported a slight deficit of $1,862, attributed to planned expenditures to utilize accumulated surpluses from previous years. Despite the deficit, the center maintained a healthy cash reserve of $67,840. Loomis explained the transition from an audit to a review engagement, which, while less comprehensive, still ensured the accuracy and reliability of the financial statements.
Preliminary budget for 2024-2025
Executive Director Brooklynn Roy presented the preliminary budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The budget forecasted total revenues of $219,592.06, primarily sourced from grants from Programme de soutien aux organismes communautaires (PSOC), Canada Summer Jobs, and the City of Sherbrooke. Notably, the center earmarked $12,000 from its surplus to support salaries and activities.
Projected expenses for the year include $153,853.13 for salaries, reflecting the return of Roy from maternity leave, and $11,000 for rent. Other expenses included telecommunications, electricity, professional fees, and various operational costs. Roy highlighted the center’s commitment to professional development, allocating $200 for staff training to better serve the youth.
Future plans
The action plan for 2024-2025 aims to increase membership, enhance community engagement, and ensure administrative and financial stability. Strategies include outreach programs at local schools, increased social media presence, and family-oriented activities. The center also plans to demystify its image by promoting the positive impact of its programs on youth development.
The LYC will continue to focus on securing grants and funding from various sources to support its activities. The action plan emphasizes the importance of providing youth-initiated activities, fostering responsibility and leadership among members.
Election of the board of directors
The AGM concluded with the election of the 2024-2025 Board of Directors. Hayley Harrison, Norm Green, Ashley Coulombe, Sheila Johnston, Landon, and Paige were nominated and confirmed as board members. Their roles within the board will be determined in a subsequent meeting.
For more information or to support the LYC, please contact Executive Director Brooklynn Roy at: dg@lennoxvilleyouthcenter.org