WELLINGTON COUNTY – Youth in Wellington County who received services from Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County (FCSGW) now have a better chance at pursuing post-secondary education, thanks to a sizeable donation from former Wellington County councillor and warden Lynda White.
She donated $25,000 to the children’s aid organization to help establish a new bursary program to help these young people, who often have more challenges and fewer supports as they move out of care and into their adult lives.
“County youth often face higher expenses when going to school, especially with things like transportation to and from school,” stated executive director Sheila Markle in a press release.
“This funding will ensure that our Wellington County youth have the support they need to go to school and pursue their dreams.”
“These youth are so disadvantaged,” communications manager Jenna Afshar said in an interview.
“They really need a leg up. Lynda really wanted to do something to help. She’s so passionate about Wellington County youth.”
Afshar said there is an application process but as long as youth live in Wellington County, have applied to a registered college or university and have received services from FCSGW, they will likely be approved.
Each applicant will receive $1,600 per semester to help with tuition, housing or transportation.
FCSGW established an education bursary fund in 2010, “but this will allow for a larger bursary for youth in the county,” Afshar said.
If a youth doesn’t have a support system or any savings, it can often be very difficult for them to afford rent, food and basic needs alongside tuition, textbooks, student fees, school supplies, and transportation. Often, these costs can be a huge barrier for youth in care.
“Sometimes our dreams and goals seem just out of reach due to circumstances we have no control over,” White said.
“It is my hope that this bursary will help to attain that dream and secure a better future for those that receive it.
“The youth of our community are our future leaders and if I can help shape that future, I feel that I have accomplished one of my goals.”
White said her eyes were opened to the challenges of youth – particularly those who received services from children’s aid – during her political tenure.
White was warden in 2004 and a county councillor until 2018.
“I was thinking about youth who age-out of foster care. A lot of them want post-secondary education but just can’t afford it,” White said.
“There are some programs to help with tuition. This fund can help with other expenses, like the internet or a computer or food.”
She continued, “For those who are on their own, I hope it helps to know someone cares.”
White also hopes her donation will inspire others with the means to donate to the Lynda White Bursary for Wellington County Youth. Donations can be made at https://www.fcsgw.org/donate-today.
“It doesn’t have to be $25,000,” she said. “Even a $500 donation will make a difference.”
FCSGW is also accepting applications from eligible youth who are heading to post-secondary education in the fall.
