Over a period of two years, this group drafted a proposal for the holistic, multi-service resource centre, which would become Jessie's. Initial funding for Jessie's Centre for Teenagers was obtained from the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services and a number of other sources. A 24-hour respite care program, with care provided in community homes, was also begun in Jessie's first year of operation.

Jessie's opened its doors in January 1982 with four paid staff and volunteers. The centre now has a staff of 13 1/2, augmented by a full-time teacher seconded from the Toronto District School Board, a Public Health Nurse from the Toronto Department of Public Health and 55 active volunteers.

Jessie's was established to support the choices adolescents must make when pregnant. Our aim is to provide services and programs that enhance opportunities for informed problem solving regarding the issues of birth control, abortion, adoption and parenting. At the same time, Jessie's accepts that there are social, emotional and developmental factors related to the age of these young people that affect their ability to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.

Jessie's has developed a holistic approach to its service. Its intent is to provide young women with a continuum of support under one roof in an agency staffed by people who have a variety of skills and interests but a consistent philosophy of service delivery. In attempting to remove the barriers that confront adolescents who attempt to utilize support services targeted for non-adolescents, Jessie's has created a flexible and responsive service for the teenagers who use it. The atmosphere is informal and the emphasis is on emotional support and practical assistance.