History

Shelburne County Youth Health and Support Association (est.1998) (SCYHSA) is a registered charity dedicated to the health and wellbeing of youth ages 12-24 residing throughout Shelburne County. We are often referred to as Our House Youth Wellness Centre, or simply as Our House. Our principal physical space is the beautiful building owned by the MacKay Trust, located at 54 King Street, Shelburne. The building is a former residence of Dr. Gurdon Mackay, a native of Shelburne, and is offered to us for an annual rent of $1.00. We also have space at the Barrington Community Care and Comfort Centre building, 2517 trunk 3, Highway 330, Barrington. Upon his death in 1946, a trust was created in the name of Dr. MacKay. His wish was to build a hospital in Shelburne. However, Roseway Hospital opened shortly after his death, and the terms of his will were modified to broaden the definition of health services to be provided under the Mackay trust. When Mrs. Mackay died in 1948, a dental clinic was opened at 54 King Street where free dental services for children were offered for many years. The province began funding dental services for young children in 1974 and the provincial program was expanded in 1997. SCYHSA was established in 1998 in response to the MacKay trust’s call for proposals to use the building for purposes of providing health services to Shelburne County children and youth. The proposal put forth by SCYHSA won and Our House officially opened in 1999. The specific services provided through SCYHSA have evolved over the years and our current focus has expanded the definition of health services to include prevention and broader health determinants.