Inspired by her extensive volunteer work in Chicago’s inner-city communities during the 1990s, Jane came to recognize the lasting impact that after-school programs and opportunities can have on children facing economic and social challenges. She saw firsthand that when children have access to a strong support system, meaningful opportunities, and a safe place to belong, they are better equipped to build a successful future.

Her experiences in Chicago helped shape the vision and values that would eventually become the foundation of YCC.

When returning to Calgary, Jane continued her commitment to supporting local youth by volunteering with community youth centres and joining the Board of Directors at Cornerstone Youth Centre (CYC). After two years on the board, an opportunity arose for her to put her knowledge and experience into practice, and she stepped in to manage the centre for what was initially intended to be a six-month term.

Those six months turned into three years of meaningful growth and transformation. During Jane’s time at CYC, the centre experienced significant improvements, including the introduction of new programs, increased donations, and greater youth participation from the surrounding community.

After more than five years with Cornerstone, Jane felt ready to take the next step and build on what she had learned. She began exploring the possibility of establishing another youth centre, using the successful model she had developed and refined during her time at CYC.

Through extensive research and community consultation, Ogden emerged as an ideal location. The community had a growing number of young people, limited after-school activities and opportunities, and many families facing significant economic and social challenges. It was clear that there was an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by creating a safe, supportive environment where local children and youth could connect, grow, and thrive.

YCC’s first youth centre opened in Ogden in a little home with a green door. Ideally, situated within walking distance of local schools and neighbourhood homes, and directly across from a large green space, it was the perfect place to create a welcoming community hub for children and youth.

With the support of local residents, Jane and the YCC team set out to transform the home into a vibrant youth centre. This included renovating the space, securing a land-use amendment to allow the centre to operate indefinitely in the heart of a residential neighbourhood, and obtaining registered charitable status.

In the summer of 2019, the doors officially opened to local children and youth, just in time for a free summer sports camp. And the kids came!

When COVID-19 lockdowns forced the Ogden centre to close, YCC found new ways to support children and families in need. In response to growing concerns from local schools and community members about food insecurity in Ogden and surrounding areas, staff and volunteers took to the streets to bring essential resources directly to families.

What began as a community response grew into an initiative that reached 18 communities, distributing more than 150,000 bagged lunches prepared in commercial kitchens, along with groceries, sports equipment, and books to families experiences hardship.

Beyond the incredible scale of support made possible through YCC and its community partners, this experience opened our eyes to the growing needs of underserved communities across Calgary. It also created lasting connecting and strengthened relationships with organizations, families, and communities that continue to be an important part of YCC’s story.

Teachers, social workers, and school principles brought an important concern to our attention: many children were arriving at school hungry and without lunch. In response, YCC developed a pilot Breakfast Club program to help ensure children have access to a nutritious start to their day.

Located along a well-travelled route to school, our home became a convenient stop where children could pick up a hot, grab-and-go breakfast, including protein-rich, filling options and a piece of fresh fruit. Any remaining food is then delivered to our partner schools and distributed to children who are unable to stop by the house themselves.

Through this initiative, YCC and our school partners have created an additional layer of care and support, working together to help ensure that more children have access to the nourishment they need to learn, grown, and thrive.

Purchased home in Forest Lawn and began renovations.

Opened the new Forest Lawn Centre!

Established a Long-Term Sustainability Fund.

Strengthening our presence and building lasting connections within the Forest Lawn community.

Continuing to grow the Long-Term Sustainability Fund.

YCC continues to build meaningful connections within the Ogden and Forest Lawn communities, strengthening relationships with local families, schools, community organizations, volunteers, and supporters. As we grow, our goal is to welcome even more children through our doors each year, ensuring that more young people have access to a safe, supportive, and welcoming place to call their home away from home.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to growing alongside our communities, expanding our impact, and ensuring that YCC continues to be a place where children can simply be kids, discover what they are capable of, and build a brighter future.