The Legacy of 541’s Youth Program

A legacy of belonging, mentorship, and community

For eight years, 541’s Youth Program offered the young folks in Barton Village and surrounding neighbourhoods something deeply needed. A safe, reliable place to belong.

Rooted in relationships, dignity, and choice, these programs welcomed youth as they were. Week after week, teens showed up for food, friendship, creativity, mentoring, and a sense of being known. As the Youth Program closed its doors at the end of 2025, we want to honour the impact it had on the lives of young people and the community that helped shape them.

This page is a reflection of that legacy.

ChillZone 2024

Program purpose and philosophy

Established in 2017, 541’s Youth Program was created to provide a community-focused outlet for youth in our neighbourhood. From the beginning, the goal was simple and intentional. To curate an environment where youth could be themselves and have their needs met.

Our approach to youth programming was intentionally low-barrier and drop-in. Programs were largely program-optional and user-directed, allowing youth to choose how they wanted to participate on any given day. Whether that meant playing board games, making art, asking for homework help, joining a group discussion, or simply sitting and sharing a meal, youth were trusted to decide what they needed in the moment. By offering interest-based programming and inviting youth into decision-making, the program fostered inclusion, ownership, and leadership. Above all, the youth program was designed to be a safe space where young people could show up fully and know they mattered.

The Youth Program

541’s Youth Program offered free weekly after-school programming focused on connection, creativity, and mentorship. Youth were welcomed into a consistent, supportive environment where relationships could grow over time. 

In addition to weekly activities, the youth program included special offerings such as youth camping trips, summer camp sponsorships and creative and recreational outings. 

More than activities, the youth program provided consistency. It was a place teens could return to week after week, knowing there would be trusted adults, warm food, and a community that cared.

Teen Leadership Camp

As a part of our Youth Program, we also had the Teen Leadership Camp (TLC). TLC was a summer volunteer experience designed for high school students looking to build job skills and confidence while contributing meaningfully to their community. Participants gained hands-on experience, earned community service hours, and got a real taste of what it means to be part of the 541 community.

For some, TLC became a stepping stone into deeper involvement at 541. A number of participants went on to join the team as staff after graduating, reflecting the program’s emphasis on mentorship, skill-building, and opportunity.

Impact at a Glance

In 2025, we were able to:

• Host 34 youth in our space

• Serve 268 individual youth meals

• Ran 33 sessions of Dungeons and Dragons, which fostered creativity, teamwork and connection

• Feature 2 artists in a Hamilton Youth Art Show at the Barton Branch Library

These numbers represent more than just participation. They reflect nourishment, creativity, autonomy, and young people finding a place to land.

Teen Christmas 2025

Youth Voices

Ny - 19, Film major at Brock University

“I’ve been coming to 541 for a little under 10 years. I was shown a sense of safety and freedom, but still felt as though I was part of a community, and that allowed me to feel more relaxed and not as angry at life.

I’m a sucker for the camping trips to Valens, playing Mafia around the campfire, and scavenger hunts. 541’s youth program has made me who I am today. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that even when things are hard, and I’m not having the best day, I can always count on feeling better after coming to youth group, having our talks, and different games like Taskmaster, Nerf nights, and UFC challenges. And knowing that I’ll always have a family outside of home.”

Megan - 16, Bernie Custis Secondary School

“I have been coming to 541’s youth program for about 8 years (2017–2025). At first, I did not know what to expect, but over time, as I got to know more of the staff and kids, it became a space I look forward to. Each week, I have gotten more comfortable, met new people, and found positives to be a part of.

Before coming to 541, I was kind of a troubled kid. I did not really know how to deal with my emotions or handle situations in a healthy way. Since joining the youth program, I have learned how to better regulate my emotions and take control of my actions. It has helped me grow as a person and start leaving some of those struggles behind.

My favourite part about 541’s youth program is hanging out with my friends and doing art together. I also really enjoy the good food that is provided for us, which makes the experience even better. What means the most to me is being around the leaders. They always make me feel seen and heard, and I feel comfortable talking about anything with them. That support makes 541 feel like a safe and welcoming place where I truly belong, and I strongly encourage kids who are dealing with any bullying at school or home or who are feeling lonely to attend 541, as it is very welcoming and one of the best places to make good memories.”

The people behind the program

The Youth Program was shaped by the care, consistency, and leadership of Eric O’Neil, whose presence made the space what it was for so many young people. Alongside dedicated staff and volunteers, Eric helped cultivate a program rooted in trust, creativity, and belonging. 

We are deeply grateful to everyone who put their time and heart into supporting youth through these programs.

Closing a chapter with gratitude

As the Youth Program comes to a close, we do so with deep gratitude. 

Over the years, these programs created space for young people to grow, connect, and feel supported during formative seasons of their lives. We are incredibly proud of the relationships built, the creativity nurtured, and the sense of belonging that took root here. 

As 541 continues to navigate the realities of sustainability and care, we are refocusing our energy on the heart of our work inside the cafe. This decision was not made lightly. It reflects our commitment to steward our resources well while continuing to offer a welcoming, nourishing space for our community. 

While this chapter is ending, the impact lives on in the youth who passed through our doors, the relationships that were formed, and the community that helped make it all possible. 

Thank you to the youth, families, staff, volunteers, and supporters who shaped this legacy.