Check out our space on 3rd Avenue in Ferndale

We are so excited to begin renovations of the youth space in Ferndale! We will begin construction and updates Spring of 2026 and we are hoping to open in Fall of 2026. Please keep checking back for more updates and information. Follow us in Instagram @ferndaleyouthcollective, too!

GAMES

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FOOD

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FRIENDS

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FUN

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FERNDALE

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GAMES - FOOD - FRIENDS - FUN - FERNDALE -

THE NEED FOR SOCIAL YOUTH SPACES

Our kids are craving connection and community. According to Healthy Whatcom’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which surveyed 10th grade students in Whatcom County annually from 2012-2021. The most recent results show:

  • 40% reported feeling depressed in the last 12 months

  • 72% said they were anxious or on edge in the last 2 weeks

  • 20% contemplated or attempted suicide in the last 12 months.

  • All these values nearly double if the student is a racial minority or LGBTQ+

For more information, check out the full assessment.

The protective factors Healthy Whatcom promotes are:

  • Strong family gonds

  • Supportive friends

  • Positive role models

  • Access to resources like after-school programs

YOUR SUPPORT FUELS PROGRESS & CREATES A SPACE FOR YOUTH TO FEEL CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER & THEIR COMMUNITY.

3% Cover the Fee

HOW DO WE KNOW YOUTH SPACES MATTER?

We based our approach off the success of the Icelandic Prevention Model, which focuses on these core four areas:

  • Family

  • Peers

  • School

  • Leisure time

By investing in those areas, communities around the world have seen measurable decreases in youth alcohol. drug, and tobaccos use, as well as significant increases in belonging, participation, and mental wellness.