Council praises OUTLoud's work — will funding follow?

Council members lauded the work of youth organization OUTLoud North Bay during Tuesday's regular meeting and indicated consideration will be given to provide funding through the budget process.

Seth Compton, OUTLoud's founder and executive director stated, "There is passion here but I'm burning the candle at both ends. I don't sleep at night...I'm always looking at ways that we can help kids in our community and fund the space."

A night that began with a separate presentation outlining the work that has been put into the City of North Bay's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, with a focus on mental health and addictions, was fittingly followed by another demonstrating how the social issues plaguing our community and many others — and especially our youth — can be nipped in the bud through progressive social safe spaces such as OUTLoud North Bay.

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OUTLoud Board Chair Kelsie Etches noted, "The value of OUTLoud is hard to identify in this small presentation as many of our kids and their families say it has saved their lives. OUTLoud is not only needed but is something that should be put as a priority in this city. By supporting this demographic, we're ensuring the most valuable are set up for success. We're avoiding seeing them fall through the cracks and seeing them become the next generation of unhoused and those struggling with mental health and addiction."

Coun. Justine Mallah praised the work done by Compton and his team and tied the earlier Community Safety and Well-Being Plan presentation in with OUTLoud's by asking if the space "helps youth explore their full potential," by filling the gaps in youth services.

"Yes. When I have other people come in from other organizations they say they are amazed that the kids are so well-behaved," Compton shared. "When we provide a safe space and we're providing all the basic needs, there is no need for kids to act out. We've created a safe space for three years with no incident within our walls. The kids have food, they have shelter, they have an adult that listens to them. We're cultivating that safe environment so they're being nurtured."

Compton and Etches highlighted the accomplishments of the organization, received rave reviews from council members and, with budget deliberations set to resume in a matter of weeks, then made a funding request while they had their attention.

"OUTLoud was deemed an essential service in 2020, so Seth fought to keep our doors open," said Etches. "As is evident in our programming, we are providing basic needs for many of our children. We are providing physical health, food security, and this is a space where their basic needs are being met while other resources are being backlogged and on waitlists. We're an immediate service with no waitlists and we welcome everybody."

See also: OUTLoud receives support near and far following attacks

And: Community shows strong support for OUTLoud, North Star Guardians

OUTLoud seeks annual operating funding ranging from at least $80,000 as it has grown beyond initial expectations, as have its costs. Compton's mission is to support 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and — and all youth — with their mental health and well-being by providing a safe space for them at OUTLoud. The group has helped hundreds North Bay's youth and their families and now they seek assistance from the City of North Bay to continue that mission. 

"Currently, OUTLoud is being funded on memberships and donations. Unfortunately, this always leaves us short and operating at a monthly deficit that is taken care of by Seth's personal savings," observed Etches.

"Seth's extensive knowledge allows him to provide training and consultations to outside organizations," Etches added. "These sessions range from inclusivity to language, and the history of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Seth often consults with agencies on how they can implement inclusive policies and procedures and ensure the staff are properly trained."

See: OUTLoud's safe space gets spruced up

Coun. Tanya Vrebosch asked about corporate sponsorship opportunities or other sources of income and Compton responded that grant-writing is an option but with a volunteer base already stretched thin, some financial backing would free up resources to pursue those avenues.

"I would love for the City to invest in us until we secure government funding to sustain the space," he added.

The request for approximately $80,000 for the year discussed Tuesday would go toward fixed costs such as rent, internet, insurance, and a salary for Compton who operates OUTLoud with a dedicated team of volunteers. It would take in excess of $100,000 to meet the estimated costs completely. 

"These opportunities often help pay for the deficit but between this and operating the space, it leaves him unable to generate income for himself as OUTLoud is a full-time job. Our plan is to incorporate a wage [approximately $60,000 per year] to allow him to continue to operate OUTLoud while providing training and creating other steady forms of income for OUTLoud."

Coun. Jamie Lowery congratulated the team saying, "The amount of work and things you do on a shoestring budget is incredible. I would like to commend you, I know a couple of kids that have been in OUTLoud and you really have made a difference in their lives. I would absolutely be supportive of supporting your organization. I think it's a credit to you that you put your heart and soul into this — and the finances, as well."

Compton outlined OUTLoud's budget and provided financial statements. "Most of the deficit you see here is based on my own wages. I work about 16 hours a day, I'm responding to emails, I work with community organizations that are looking for help on a daily basis. For the last three years I've been able to manage keeping a space open and providing training and other opportunities that the community asks of me."

"By investing into OUTLoud, you're not only investing into our youth but the growth of inclusivity of North Bay as a city," Etches respectfully told the council. "Safe spaces and inclusivity drives the city, and by investing in OUTLoud, that's exactly what you would be doing."