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$60K Raised in Support of Youth Mental Health in Windsor Essex

Jackson Oglan struggled with depression, yet he was not what many would see as the face of depression. 

He had strong family support, great friends, and was regularly seeing a psychologist, but his pain was greater than anyone likely understood. 

It is because of his suicide that his family now wants to help make a difference for other youth.  So, they have stepped up to help raise funds and awareness about the Youth Wellness Hub Windsor-Essex.   

Over $60,000 was raised at the Jackson Oglan Memorial Golf Tournament last week. Funds raised are crucial to getting to the next step of ensuring a permanent location and appropriate staffing and programming beyond the initial government funds for start-up. 

Jackson’s father, Ron Oglan says the Youth Hub is a necessity not a luxury. “Young people are hurting. Though their pain does not always result in suicide, young people are having difficulty. Therefore, having a space like the Youth Hub where they can seek help, be safe, and connect with professionals and other youth is very helpful. I’m just so excited about this Hub,” says Oglan.  

“I never truly understood the depth of Jackson’s pain. I wish I would have realized how dark it was for him.

But you can’t watch over your kids 24/7, so we just need to make sure that when we cannot help them that they have opportunities to go and talk to others and the Youth Hub will provide this.”

Kim Willis, CMHA’s Director of Communications & Mental Health Promotion, says the concept of the Youth Hub is radically different since it is set up by youth for youth.  

“It is what youth and families and mental health providers have been asking for. It is also free, no waiting list, and no referrals are needed,” says Willis

“We cannot thank the Oglan family enough for sharing their story and for organizing this golf tournament which raised funds and awareness. Indeed, our youth are in desperate need of help and this money will make a difference and we believe help save lives.” 

Michelle Rocheleau, Operations Manager at the Youth Wellness Hub Windsor Essex spoke at the Golf Tournament dinner.  She provided stats and a story:  

“We have had 157 different youth access the Hub (since opening in March). Those same 157 youth have come to the Hub 753 times. These numbers show us that what we have put in place is making a difference in the lives of our youth,” she says. 

“If you’re not a numbers person, let me tell you a little story that I heard the other day. Two teenage boys were hanging out at one of their houses. They both found that they were having bad days and together decided that they could use some counselling in that moment. They had heard about the Hub through school and decided to come in to see a counselor. The fact that these youth were able to recognize their needs, have the knowledge of where they could get immediate help and then to feel comfortable enough with the staff and within the space to share what motivated them to come on that day is pretty amazing.”