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In 1997, the Medicine Hat Youth Centre received a $35,000 grant from the Community Foundation to officially open their doors. The Youth Centre was established by a committee of youth who desired to see a place ‘for youth, by youth, where they don’t have to spend money.’ They dreamed the Youth Centre could be a place for pool tournaments, karaoke nights, self-defense courses, concerts, movies, and of course, a place to hang out. The original youth committee, like co-chairs Miranda Richardson and Erin Roberts (pictured with Dean Bradford, past CFSEA Board Member), should be proud to see how the Youth Centre is doing today.

25 year later, the Youth Centre is still in operation as the Be YOUth Centre. The Centre seeks to build resilient youth, by instilling self-esteem, positivity, and empowering their potential. They serve youth from ages 11 – 17 and are set to serve more than 3,000 registered participants in activities. On average, they see approximately 15 students attend daily. Amanda Sears, Executive Director, says, “our programs will always be free, and we never turn anyone away.”

Miranda Richardson, one of the original co-chairs, had a recent opportunity to come back to the Be YOUth Centre and bring her daughter and niece for an art class. She appreciates that the centre is a safe place for youth to socialize and take part in activities that interest them.

“I’m impressed with what they have available for the youth – they have a lot more than what we had when we first started. I am so happy to see it is still going strong. They have gone above and beyond what I ever dreamed about for the Youth Centre. It has really taken off! I hope it continues to be a strong and positive place for youth in Medicine Hat”

– Dr. Miranda Richardson, Gaslight Dental

Be YOUth Centre continues to have monthly meetings ‘for youth and by youth’ to ensure programs are in line with their wants and needs, which was the original vision of the founding committee. The programs and activities have changed and grown over the years. Today, they offer activities such as pool tournaments, swimming, skating, cooking classes/meal support, homework and employment support, creative activities, self-awareness seminars, outreach support, community engagement and volunteerism, and so many more fun, engaging, and meaningful programs.

It is encouraging to see how a $35,000 grant, 25 years ago, leaves a ripple effect to positively impact youth today. CFSEA is eager to see what positive results come next for the youth in Medicine Hat, thanks to the BeYOUth Centre.

 

“30 Stories for 30 Years”