Effective January 1, 2026: Conexus Credit Union 2006, Cornerstone Credit Union Financial Group Limited, and Synergy Credit Union Ltd. amalgamated as Conexus Credit Union. Learn more.
Conexus and Street Culture Project team up to support vulnerable Regina youth.
[Regina, Saskatchewan – Oct. 29, 2025] - Conexus Credit Union and Street Culture Project (SCP) celebrated the grand opening of “The Safe” today, a café and catering social enterprise located in Conexus’ head office in Regina.
Street Culture Project has operated as a not-for-profit in Regina for 25 years. It provides mentorship, housing and community outreach programs to help underserved youth face life’s challenges. Its new business “The Safe” provides both hands-on job training for youth, as well as revenues to support SCP’s programs and services, which include Regina’s only youth emergency shelter.
Conexus makes The Safe possible through providing rent-free space for the café, significantly reducing overhead costs, ensuring these dollars can support local youth. Conexus CEO Celina Philpot explains the credit union’s approach to community investment and how it links to this initiative.
“As a Saskatchewan credit union, we see ourselves as a driver of the economic and social health of this province. That's why we dedicate 5 per cent of pre-tax profits to our community investment priorities, which include helping children and youth reach their full potential,” Philpot explains. “We’re excited to engage in this innovative partnership that will help create a brighter future for young people in Regina who are facing life's challenges."
SCP CEO Jeff Dudar emphasizes that 100 per cent of profits from the café and catering business go directly to supporting the essential programs and services for underserved youth in the community.
"An estimated 10,000 youth in Regina face homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges, with limited shelter options available," says Dudar. "The Safe can help create a brighter future for these young people by providing a much-needed source of funds, as well as hands-on job training, mentorship and employment that help build skills and confidence."
Come on over, come on in
The Safe invites the public to try a gourmet espresso, delicious breakfast sandwich, a full lunch menu, and more. The Safe is an eco-conscious café, featuring locally roasted, farm-direct Colombian coffee from The Coffee Five Project and a menu created by an award-winning barista and Executive Chef. The location is ideal for anyone visiting Wascana Park and for families enjoying the pool in the summer months. More details are available here.
“It’s been exciting to add this café to the main floor of our head office,” says Philpot. “It’s a wonderful meeting place that brings together Conexus employees, entrepreneurs building start-ups at our business incubator Cultivator and community members with young people who are learning new job skills. I love the energy in this space.”
The Safe wins Concentra and EQ Bank Grant
Conexus Credit Union and the Street Culture Project also sincerely thank Concentra and Equitable Bank for supporting the launch of the new café. Recently, Conexus and The Safe were awarded a $10,000 grant from Concentra and EQ Bank's “Empowering Your Community” program, a $200,000 annual fund that supports the social impact priorities of credit unions across Canada.
For more information and to arrange interviews, please contact:
Michael Chmielewski
Media Relations Specialist | Conexus Credit Union
media@conexus.ca | 306-751-8201
About Conexus Credit Union
We’re a forward-thinking, Saskatchewan-based credit union committed to our members and their financial well-being. We’re a member-owned cooperative with more than 80 years of serving members and giving back to our community. Conexus’ purpose is to champion every member’s success for a thriving Saskatchewan.
About Street Culture Project
Street Culture Project (SCP) is a non-profit organization with over 25 years of impactful work dedicated to empowering youth through innovative programs and community engagement. SCP's mission is to create safe spaces for youth. Creating a safe space means celebrating youth for being exactly who they are. It means providing them a safe environment and community that is truly inclusive, accepting, empowering and supportive. This is a foundational component to ensuring that youth not only get their needs met but can grow and thrive beyond their dreams.
