Rebound, a local organization that has been supporting youth for over 40 years, will mark this milestone with a celebration on Saturday, October 19.
Founded by three community members—a concerned parent, a police officer, and an educator—Rebound began as a small initiative to provide more opportunities for local youth. It started in a church basement and has since grown into a multifaceted organization located at the DOW Centre for Youth, with 21 programs and 35 staff members, according to Executive Director Michelle Holbrook.
Initially created to help youth who had run into trouble with the law, Rebound has evolved significantly over the years. Today, it serves youth aged 8 to 24 with a wide range of programs that aim to meet the varied needs of young people in the community. Despite this growth, Holbrook acknowledges that old perceptions linger. "The stigma I hear all the time is, ‘Isn’t that the place where bad kids go?’" she said, but emphasized, "I personally don’t know any bad kids. I know kids who make poor decisions.”
The organization's programming now includes arts-based initiatives, a rock band, and therapeutic approaches that aim to meet youth where they are. Holbrook is proud of how Rebound has maintained its "homegrown" roots while continually adapting to the community’s needs.
Holbrook herself has a long history with Rebound, having first joined as a volunteer in 1999. After briefly leaving to work as an educator at Lambton College, she returned in 2022 to take on the role of executive director. “It just feels like home to me,” she said, reflecting on her long connection to the organization. During her time, she has witnessed Rebound's growth, from having just a handful of staff and programs to becoming a comprehensive support system for local youth. Holbrook’s belief in prevention and early intervention has been a guiding force in her work, and she is proud to have played a role in developing some of the current programs.
Throughout her years at Rebound, Holbrook has seen countless young people benefit from its programs. “It’s an honour to be able to walk alongside young people on their own journeys,” she said. This connection to youth continues to motivate her every day.
The upcoming celebration on October 19 will be a time to reflect on Rebound’s journey and its impact on the community. The event, taking place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., invites past graduates, volunteers, staff, and supporters to come together and share their stories.
Looking ahead, Holbrook says Rebound will continue to adapt to the needs of the community. With a youth engagement coordinator dedicated to regularly connecting with young people, the organization ensures its future direction will be shaped by those it serves. “What’s next will really be dictated by our young people,” Holbrook said.
