Raising a Community – Kevin Gangloff

The Orillia Youth Centre is where young people go to participate in various programs and activities, speak with staff who are trained in child & youth care or social work, use the laundry facilities, or just have fun.

Well-known Indigenous artist & community member Travis Shilling, paints a young girl securely wrapped in a blanket coming out into the world.

When Kevin Gangloff arrived in Orillia, he saw a need among the city’s youth for a place to call their own. Kevin decided to quit teaching and went to work at the Orillia Youth Centre, located downtown on Front Street.

Who is Kevin Gangloff? (captions available in both FR and EN). Enjoy this video with a transcript (En).

As a non-profit organization, admission is free and the centre relies on donations, volunteers, and funding to keep their doors open, along with a small, dedicated team of staff. The resources from the community, in 2019 alone, served over 16,000 youth.

Kevin Gangloff – Orillia Youth Centre (captions available in both FR and EN). Enjoy this video with a transcript (En).

Success at the Orillia Youth Centre looks different day to day. Kevin says, “To me the biggest success is that a youth comes back tomorrow, especially for some, who took a risk just even coming in for the first time. We’ve had youth come back and tell us what that’s meant to them over the course of time.”

Kevin Gangloff – Youth Services in Orillia (captions available in both FR and EN). Enjoy this video with a transcript (En).

The programs which Kevin and the staff offer provide growth and engagement opportunities for the youth of Orillia. Through time, commitment and care, Kevin has created a safe and vibrant place where young people can spend time, make friends, find a receptive ear, and enjoy simply being a kid.

Kevin Gangloff – Change in Orillia (captions available in both FR and EN). Enjoy this video with a transcript (En).

As a community, to have that space where youth
can come and feel they belong, it’s a win.