TORONTO 1964- George Fernie began to walk home having just attended a fellowship meeting at his Presbyterian Church on the Danforth. He followed this same route every day, but this day was to be different. On his way, he observed a young man no older than 16, cold, alone, and afraid. George stopped and made his acquaintance and invited him to a local coffee shop. He learned that the youth was just released from the Don Jail after 14 days in custody for a petty crime. The youth was scorned by his family and friends because of his youthful lapse in judgement. George was moved to compassion. He took him back to the church and arranged for food, shelter, and a plan to get support for this youth. What George did not know was that his actions this night were the inspiration for the founding of Fernie Youth Services.

George saw in that youth what we at Fernie Youth see every day, young people trying to move past their wrongful choices and join society in a positive way. Youth need hope and self-esteem on their journey to become successful. Fernie Youth continues the mission George Fernie started over 60 years ago. Through the decades, Fernie Youth continuously leads with innovation in our programs and services. We stay current with the social and developmental challenges that face youth as they move toward self-sufficiency. Ultimately, Fernie champions hope. Our success is defined by youth having the moral, social and life skills to establish a positive future.

It is our responsibility, in partnership with our community and government, to provide youth with a better menu of choices for success, especially for youth from families and communities with limited options.