Across Niagara’s small municipalities, community is built through care, connection, and showing up for one another. In West Niagara, that commitment comes to life every day at The FORT.
Founded in 2001 in response to rising concerns around youth mental health, The FORT was created to ensure young people had a place where they felt safe, supported, and valued. Today, it serves youth aged 11 to 18 from across West Niagara, welcoming over 10,000 youth annually. The FORT operates as a free and inclusive youth centre that never turns anyone away.
At the heart of The FORT is a clear mission: to empower youth to make positive and successful life choices through opportunities and guidance. That mission is reflected in both the structure of its programs and the warmth of its environment.
Each afternoon, youth arrive straight after school to a space that feels familiar and welcoming. Some join organized programs like the cooking club, life skills workshops, or resume and job search support. Others take part in creative activities, sports, or community building programs that reflect their interests. Youth also have access to a full service computer lab, daily healthy meals, snacks and recreational time.
What makes The FORT special is its ability to meet every young person where they are. The space brings together all kinds of personalities, from social butterflies to youth who prefer quieter activities. Every young person is supported, supervised, and included, creating a strong sense of belonging across differences.
That sense of belonging is something staff see grow over time. Rachael Surla, Outreach Coordinator at The FORT, describes it clearly:
“You see it over time. Youth come in unsure, guarded, carrying a lot more than people realize. And slowly, you watch them start to relax. Their shoulders drop. They get more comfortable being themselves. They find their voice. Many of them walk through our doors at eleven years old and stay until they are eighteen. We get to grow with them through some of the hardest and most important years of their lives. Knowing they have a place where they belong, where they are supported and cared for, that is what matters most to me.”
Beyond daily programming, The FORT plays a vital role in supporting youth through more complex challenges. Crisis intervention, emergency support, as well as connections to professional mental health counselling and Niagara wide resources are available at no cost. Staff work alongside youth to build personalized support plans that respond to their individual needs, whether related to school, home life, mental health, or future goals.
Youth often find The FORT through schools, guidance counsellors, parents, and word of mouth. Families speak about it with pride, and youth describe it as a place that feels safe, welcoming, and meaningful. Many stay connected for years, growing alongside the staff and the community around them.
Through partnership with United Way Niagara, organizations like The FORT continue to strengthen West Niagara by ensuring young people have access to consistent care and opportunity. This work reflects the collective strength of Niagara’s small communities, where neighbours support neighbours and impact is built close to home.
Hand in hand in every corner of Niagara, United Way Niagara is working with local organizations like The FORT to build stronger communities, together.
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Charitable Registration #: BN13053 2443 RR0001
