Hi all! Below are the dates that YCC will be closed during the spring and summer: – Friday May 16th and Monday May 19th – Monday June 30th – Tuesday July 1st Canada Day – Friday August 1st and Monday August 4th
Wow Thanks!
Thanks to you, we’ve been able to change the futures of vulnerable youth in Calgary.
Why We Exist
Giving Youth a Chance
Calgary’s vulnerable youth deserve a future where they can be successful and thrive.
The reality is that many kids in under-the-radar Calgary communities face daunting challenges in life. Economically, socially, academically and with their mental health.
This is not their fault. Cyclical poverty, social isolation and chronic stress are very real in our city. Without a leg up, these youth will face even greater challenges as adults.
That’s where we come in.
We give kids whose lives are subject to chaos and uncertainty a welcoming home-like place, stability, nutritious food, help with homework, and healthy connections they may not have access to elsewhere.
These simple opportunities can be life-altering.
Our programs are designed to help youth reach their full potential and help break the cycles of poverty that prevent them from becoming healthy, strong, contributing members of society.
A Safe Space
A Place That Feels Like Home
YCC operates out of welcoming, warm, home-like settings within walking distance of school or home in vulnerable communities.
Every day after school and during the breaks, kids aged 9-15 run to our centre for healthy snacks, a conversation with a university student role model, access to technology, a chance to play a sport, take a free music lesson, read a book in a quiet reading space, and paint a canvass. After a hot dinner, served by a mom, they do a chore and take a cookie for the walk home (most of them to Calgary Housing).
We are open every weekday during after-school hours when youth are most at risk of getting into or causing trouble.
Police and studies show that with safe spaces like ours, crime goes down, high school graduation goes up, kids don’t get into as much trouble, gang membership goes down, and families are supported.
And it works because of the many, incredibly generous, compassionate people in this city who make Youth Centres of Calgary’s safe spaces a reality for many of Calgary’s youth.
A Proven Model
What Makes it Work?
Calgary Youth Centres proven model for positively impacting vulnerable youth includes the following guiding principles:
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Open to youth ages 9-15
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Operates in a house instead of an institutional building
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Plenty of activities, sports equipment, art, and instruments available to keep kids engaged and entertained
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Daily snacks and warm meals provided, addressing food insecurity
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Daily chores carried out to build a sense of responsibility
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Safe environment ensured with adult supervision and mentorship during all open hours
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Homework help and quiet spaces accessible
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Positive socialization opportunities and friendships with kids right in their community
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Sense of community and responsibility developed
With these core systems in place and donor support, YCC has plans to open more centres in other Calgary communities in need.
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Parent Updates
Summer Camp Newsletter!
FREE SUMMER CAMP – Questions and completed registrations can be sent to Megan at info@youthcentresofcalgary.com or dropped off at either of the centres. The correct email is noted on the attached flyers as well. Printed registration forms will also be available at the centres. To the families of the amazing kids of YCC Ogden and…
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Parent Updates
April Newsletter
Dear Families of YCC Ogden and YCC Forest Lawn, 1. Welcome to the Forest Lawn and Dover families who are new to YCC. Our first school year has been a great success, and we thank you SO much for supporting us as we wind up the year and prepare for summer camps! The kids have…
Our Values
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Access
We believe that youth have the right to healthy ‘out of school’ support that sets them on a path to breaking cycles of poverty.
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Youth Empowerment
We empower youth to contribute to their choices and wellbeing, to their family, and to their community.
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Respect
We embrace the unique identities and experiences of all and model respect for self, volunteers, friends, and property.
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Integrity
We value our position as a trusted grassroots community service, and we commit to accountability, transparency, and efficiency for responsible use of all our resources.
Our Mission
What we're up to
Locating in the most vulnerable communities, we reduce the financial, physical, and emotional impacts of poverty for youth and their families, giving youth a chance to grow and succeed by providing a safe and inclusive space where:
- youth genuinely experience belonging and support one another
- meaningful youth involvement builds responsibility, life skills, and self-esteem and,
- programs and activities develop practical skills and instill positive attitudes
Make a Difference
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
Join others who have made a significant difference in Ogden with the youth we serve every day!
Some of the ways you can be involved in changing real lives: