What is YCC?

What is YCC?
Randy Topolnitsky
 
Not to be confused with the three letter geocode assigned to our Calgary Airport, YYC, the acronym YCC stands for Youth Centres of Calgary. Our club has built a lovely relationship with YCC but what is it all about?
YCC - Youth Centres of Calgary operates a “home away from home” after school and during the summer months for at-risk kids, operating in the underserved and low-income community of Ogden in SE Calgary. With advice of Calgary Police Service & local school administrators, we chose Forest Lawn as the community where we have purchased (Spring 2023), will renovate & staff a new centre & open to youth early 2024. Forest Lawn is a highly underserved, high crime, low-income community, with a high population of youth, particularly those of indigenous and immigrant families.
 
The effects on the community of poor mental health, crime and lack of success in school, or leaving school are enormous and can be reduced with early intervention. The ultimate gains to society are quantifiable, while the enjoyment and quality of life that is gained in the process, “one kid at a time” within a community is immeasurable. In detail, the youth centre gives underserved kids what they need/want every day:
  • Serves youth, ages 9 to 15, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm daily, after school hours when youth are at most risk of getting into or causing trouble.
  • Has 200 registered kids and an average attendance of 30 youth each day
  • Operates out of a welcoming, warm, home-like setting
  • Is free
  • Is Non-denominational and inclusive, and kids are welcome to drop in as they please
  • Is located in a high-risk area of the city, within walking distance of school or home
  • Offers activities and opportunities for youth to establish meaningful, supportive connections with healthy adults
  • Nurtures resilience and self-confidence through mentoring, homework help, games, sports coaching, arts, and music lessons
  • Provides daily hot meals & healthy snacks
  • Provides free registration on competitive sports teams for kids who are otherwise unsupported financially and logistically to engage in club sports
  • Offers free summer day camps to all kids, 9-15