The Hanley Institute is a privately-run charitable foundation supporting kids and youth in Flesherton, Ontario, and surrounding Grey County, through connection, education,  compassion and empowerment. They provide after school drop-in programs, camps and workshops with one-to-one education sessions on anxiety, anger management,  substance use, addiction, sex, suicide and self-esteem, equipping them with the skills to make good life choices. Currently, several college and university volunteers, adult  mentors and community volunteers deliver programming. 

The founder, Jenny Hanley, has a background in youth at-risk behaviour and addiction,  and recognized a need in the community for a safe environment for young people to  receive compassionate support. There are no social services or community centres  supporting them in the area. She began in 2018 with two participants and now has 20  to 25 youths aged 12 to 17 attending programs. The founder works directly with  students with behaviour issues at the local high school, and because of this she is able  to encourage them to engage in one of the programs offered: Boyz Club, Sisters Keep ers Club, Yoga, Photography, Theatre, Cooking, Volunteering and Mentoring.  

The Hanley Institute has found a home in the recently de-commissioned St. John’s  United Church in Flesherton, and the United Church of Canada holds the $150,000  mortgage. The Board consists of an accountant, a nurse, a local funeral home owner, a retired business woman and an office manager. They currently require funding for  building and facilities improvements, for program support, web design and operational  costs.