A new mental health group home aimed at supporting vulnerable youth in Regina officially opened its doors on Thursday. Joe and Irene’s Youth Home, named in honor of the Métis parents of Delora Parisian, founder and executive director of Eagle Heart Centre, will provide short-term residential care for youth ages 12 to 18, with a focus on 24-hour mental health and addictions support.
A Home Built on Legacy and Values
The home is named after Joe and Irene Parisian, who raised 11 children while overcoming immense challenges, including poverty, racism, and personal hardships. Delora Parisian, who grew up in a large family, says the values instilled by her parents—such as hard work, financial independence, and the encouragement to follow one’s dreams—are the foundation for the youth home’s mission.
“It’s important to show young people that no matter how tough life gets, you can rise above it with the right support,” said Linda Anderson, the board president for Eagle Heart Centre. Anderson herself grew up in poverty with 10 other people in a small house, emphasizing how resilience and community support can help individuals overcome their circumstances.
Meeting the Need for Support
Eagle Heart Centre’s mission is to provide culturally relevant services and trauma-informed care to youth, helping them transition from foster care to stable homes. The new group home aims to bridge the gap for youth who have aged out of the system, offering them a stable and supportive environment as they navigate their way to independence. Keri Ponace, the team lead for the youth home, shared her personal experience of being in and out of foster care. She understands the challenges faced by young people who “age out” of the system, often without a clear path forward.
“I wanted to be a part of bridging that gap between aging out and finding a stable place for themselves,” Ponace said, highlighting the importance of mentorship and guidance in the process.
Community Impact and Future Goals
Joe and Irene’s Youth Home is the second of three planned group homes under the Eagle Heart Centre initiative. The first, EGADZ Garden of Hope in Saskatoon, opened in December 2023, and the third home is currently under development. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Services, will refer youth with chronic mental health and addiction issues to the centre, ensuring that those in need receive proper care.
Linda Anderson emphasized the significance of creating spaces like this in Regina, where there’s a visible need for youth support services. “You have to be blind to not see the need out there,” she said, referring to the high number of youth on the streets who require a safe place to go. Eagle Heart Centre aims to show these young people that their community cares about their wellbeing and that a brighter future is within reach.
A Commitment to Youth Success
The goal of Joe and Irene’s Youth Home is not just to provide immediate care but also to foster long-term success for the youth it serves. “This is an opportunity to grab the brass ring and make the most of their life with the right mentors and the right people in place,” Anderson said. “So they too can succeed and set an example for others.”
By providing a space where young people can heal, learn, and grow, Eagle Heart Centre hopes to break the cycle of trauma and pave the way for more positive outcomes in their futures.
With continued support from the Saskatchewan government and a dedicated team of mentors, Joe and Irene’s Youth Home will undoubtedly be a crucial resource for youth in Regina who need help and hope for a better tomorrow.
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