Amherstburg is a small rural community 20 miles south of Windsor, Ontario. The center is funded by the Windsor-Essex County United Way and is open to all youths over age 14. The center began in 1970 when John Ware, a clinical psychologist and theologian, met with 15 teenagers to discuss the needs of the community's youth. These adolescents identified a need for a youth group where they could communicate with others who would understand and accept them. Shalom, the Hebrew greeting of friendship and peace, was chosen for the program's name. Each year a new ninth grade group enters the program. Male and female adults provide leadership and sex role models. Each group also has six to eight peer leaders. Group cohesiveness is promoted through weekly meetings, yearly weekend experiences, and social activities. Thus, the program tries to provide its youth with the experiences of community that facilitates belonging, identity, structure, and meaning. Discussion of development goals of early and late adolescence and 8 references.