Teen Drop In Centre in Montreal

Being a teen can be confusing and stressful. Between social pressures, busy school days, and the need to feel understood, teens deserve a space where they can find and be themselves. Westhaven Elmhurst Community Recreation Association offers a safe, supervised space where teens can connect, learn, and find support after school.

At our teen drop-in centre in Montreal, young people can play sports, do homework, apply for jobs, volunteer in the community, and much more in a welcoming environment designed for them.

Stop by today or call (514) 872-6134 to learn more.

Visit a Welcoming Teen Drop-in Centre


How a Community Centre Empowers Teens

We believe that a place to grow and belong is crucial to empowering young people. What teens need most is the chance to shape who they are in an environment that respects them. Empowerment builds confidence, strengthens friendships, and encourages healthy choices that carry into adulthood.

Our community centre provides this through safe spaces, supportive mentors, and activities that spark curiosity. Teens can expect to find trust, guidance, and the freedom to explore new ideas together. They can discover their voice and learn what it means to stand tall in their own way.

How Do Youth Centres Fill Gaps in After-School Care?

Not every teen has a structured place to go once school ends for the day. Youth centres help bridge that gap by offering a safe, supervised environment where teens can spend time until their caregivers are available.

Our teen centre reduces the risk of unsupervised time, which can sometimes lead to isolation or risky behavior. Teens get a community of peers, positive role models, and a range of productive, fun activities. It’s a flexible solution that meets them where they are.

Is a Drop-in Centre Right for Your Teen?

Our drop-in centre welcomes teens ages 14 to 18 without the barriers of applications or screening. We encourage anyone looking for a safe space to spend time to come by and see what we offer.

Especially consider stopping by if you:

  • Want to make friends your age
  • Need a quiet spot to relax or study
  • Enjoy group activities and fun events
  • Feel more comfortable in a supervised setting
  • Want to feel part of a supportive community

Why Do Age Ranges Matter in Youth Programs?

Our teen drop-in centre welcomes youth between the ages of 14 and 18. This age range allows us to tailor activities, mentorship, and support to the unique interests and challenges that teens face during these formative years. Whether someone’s just starting high school or preparing for post-secondary life, they’ll find programs and people here who understand where they are and help them take the next step.

Every stage of adolescence comes with its own needs, pressures, and milestones. That’s why we focus on teens aged 14 to 18—because this is when young people start to seek more independence, form their identities, and plan for their futures.

What Happens When a Teen Ages Out of the Program?

When a teen turns 19, they don’t age out and disappear from view. We offer guidance to help them transition into new roles, like volunteering, mentoring, or joining adult education and employment initiatives. We keep those doors open, helping them stay connected and keep building on the growth they started here.

Youth Drop-in at Westhaven Elmhurst Community Recreation Association

In addition to being a safe, supportive space where you can simply come and connect, we offer a variety of stimulating activities to support growth and help you discover new interests.

These include:

  • DJing workshops and music industry insights
  • Help creating a strong CV or resume
  • Practice with mock interviews
  • Guidance with university applications
  • Basketball games and team activities
  • Community engagement projects and events
  • …and more!

What Role Do Our Teen Centre Mentors Play in Youth Development?

Teens thrive when trusted adults are there to guide, support, and listen. Our mentors take this responsibility seriously, and they contribute in many meaningful ways.

Here are key ways they help:

  • Providing emotional support and consistency: Builds trust and helps teens feel seen and valued
  • Offering guidance on school and career paths: Helps teens explore their interests and make informed decisions
  • Modeling healthy communication and conflict resolution: Shows how to manage emotions and navigate social challenges
  • Encouraging leadership and independence: Promotes confidence through teen-led projects and goal setting
  • Creating a safe space to talk: Gives teens a judgment-free zone to express themselves openly

Each mentor builds lasting connections with the teens they serve, and those relationships often become the foundation for long-term personal growth.

How Does a Youth Centre Support Job Readiness?

A job is a matter of necessity for many teens, but even if it isn’t, gaining work experience early builds confidence, independence, and real-world skills that last well beyond high school. Our youth centre is a place to learn what employers look for and how to step into that first role feeling ready.

We focus mainly on preparation, including applying for jobs, practicing interviews, and understanding what makes a strong first impression. Our mentors will guide teens through each step, offering support, feedback, and encouragement to help them succeed. No matter the goal, every teen can find the tools and guidance they need to take that next step forward.

How Often Can Teens Visit Our Youth Centre?

Teens are welcome to drop in up to three times a week during the school year, with evening sessions from 7 to 9 p.m. Our schedule runs from September to December and again from January to June, giving teens a consistent, reliable place to come back to.

They don’t need to sign up in advance or meet any special requirements. If they’re between 14 and 18 and want a safe, welcoming space to hang out, we’ll be here. Some come weekly to meet friends or play basketball, while others stop in more occasionally when they need help with a job application or just want a quiet place to be themselves.

Visit Our Recreation Centre for Teens Today

Everyone is welcome at Westhaven Elmhurst Community Recreation Association. Our recreation centre for teens opens doors to skills, experiences, and friendships that can shape the future in a positive way. Stop in and see what makes it worth the visit.

Looking for a teen drop-in centre in Montreal? Contact us at (514) 872-6134.