Teens in Geneva now have a new space to call their own. Ontario Cares has officially purchased a building at 81 North Street to serve as the new home for the EPIC Zone Youth Drop-In Center, a vital resource for local youth ages 12–17.
The milestone marks a big step forward for the program, which has served over 700 teens since opening in 2016.
A space built around youth voices
“This new space represents the heart of what Ontario Cares stands for — creating opportunities for connection, growth, and belonging,” said Gwen Van Laeken, executive director of Ontario Cares.
EPIC Zone has long been a hub for after-school activities, field trips, homework help, meals, and skill-building. With the new facility, the organization plans to expand both its reach and offerings, in partnership with the FLX Unity Center, a Geneva-based nonprofit co-founded by Brianna Johnson-Whitfield and Allauna Overstreet-Gibson.
Overstreet-Gibson, who also serves as EPIC Zone’s program coordinator, said the new site will be “an innovative community hub that provides a much-needed safe space for teens and young adults to vibe and grow intellectually and emotionally.”
Open house planned for December 2
To celebrate the move, Ontario Cares will host an open house on Monday, December 2, from 4–7 p.m. at the new EPIC Zone building. The event will give the public a chance to tour the facility, meet staff, and learn more about upcoming programs and partnerships.
The timing coincides with Giving Tuesday, a global day of charitable giving, offering a chance for the community to support the mission of Ontario Cares.
Renovation plans are in the works, and the organization will be launching fundraising efforts to enhance the new facility for youth and the wider community.
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