This year, The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) Wellington-Guelph is celebrating five years of making mental health, substance use, and wellness supports accessible, barrier-free, and available at no cost to youth across rural Wellington County.
What began with a Rotary vision to make it easier for young people to access local care has grown into a network of seven locations serving youth ages 12 to 25 with mental health, substance use, primary care, peer support, employment, education and social services. Since opening, the hubs have welcomed more than 150,000 youth visits and have helped thousands of young people access support when they need it most. This represents about 20% of all YWHO visits across the province each year.
Through ongoing care and support, youth have reported significant improvements in well-being, including a 41.5% increased in self-rated mental health and a 34% reduction in suicidal ideation.
The hubs are also improving access to care, connecting 80% of youth to services within 72 hours. Importantly, the program is reaching young people who may otherwise have gone without support, with 35% of youth reporting they would not have south help elsewhere.
"Five years ago, we set out with a network of community partners and local philanthropists to make it easier for youth in rural Wellington County to access support," said Jeff Hoffman, Executive Director YWHO WG (also a Rotarian). "Today, these hubs are safe, vibrant community spaces where young people can access care, build connections and find support before challenges become crises."
To mark this milestone, YWHO Wellington-Guelph is hosting anniversary celebrations in Fergus, Palmerston and Erin (with Open Houses in Fergus & Erin) bringing together youth, community partners, supporters and residents to celebrate five years of impact.
Join the Celebration
Fergus Youth Hub Open House
September 23, 2026
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
900 Tower Street South, Fergus
Tour the hub, connect with local organizations and community members, and celebrate five years of impact.
Erin Youth Hub Open House
September 24, 2026
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
10 Thompson Crescent, Erin
Explore the space, meet youth and community partners, and learn about the difference the hub is making for local youth.
Everyone is welcome to attend.