Friends,💚

Imagine a world where all kids have access to safe and supportive spaces to relax and play after school, a world where kids get their homework done, spend time with new friends and eat as much healthy and nutritious food as they need to satisfy their hunger. A world where families from all backgrounds have enough to meet their basic needs, where all kids dream big, set their sights on their own ideas of a good life and reach those goals. A world where peace, kindness, joy and respect for our differences is a given. At YCC, we imagine that world and hope for its realization. We’re working to create it, one kid at a time.

In recognition of National Volunteer Week in Canada, this spring newsletter is dedicated to all the people who contribute their time, resources and funds to our YCC programs. You warm our hearts. 💚

All year long, through the days, weeks and months at YCC, volunteers spend time with kids; they listen, show curiosity and act as mentors, coach them on the courts and rinks, teach them to play cards and chess, cook, garden, music and create art. Volunteers take time out from their busy lives to flip burgers on our barbecue, fix broken basketball backboards, build fences and mend walls, drop off books, bikes, clothes and groceries, play street hockey and soccer with the kids in the sunshine and rain. They help kids with their chores and leave only when the day is done and the house is in order. Volunteers serve on our working board and act as models of accountability, tolerance and responsibility. Some discount their services or cover the costs associated with summer camp trips to a local ranch, to the zoo, to professional sports events, pools, parks and the rivers. They pay for groceries and games, laptops, sports fees and new sneakers. Volunteers pitch in to fill backpacks for kids for the first day back at school and to fill holiday boxes for families, packed with gift cards, food, gifts and treats.

Life would be so different for the families of Ogden and Forest Lawn if not for all these efforts. As kids say daily “I don’t know what I’d do without you”, WE don’t know what we would do without YOU. Our work is only possible by virtue of your generosity and kindness.

Happy spring to all of you and to everyone. We’ll send a newsletter once our summer camps start up. In the meantime, here are a few photos from the happy chaos and positive energy of our YCC homes.

To thrive, these kids need more, and in YCC’s warm, welcoming and safe homes, they have just that. Cheers to the volunteers!

Please drop in. We’d love to see you.

With gratitude and love 💚