YCC Gets City Approval

"Dear Randy, Steve, Terry,  Lori,Terry, Cat, Steacy, Sean, Bill, 

 

I spent 8 hours in council chambers with 5 supporters yesterday and at the end of the day, City Council voted unanimously in favour of a land use amendment to change the zoning of the home in Forest Lawn the purchase of which  you funded (Rotary Club of Downtown Calgary). This recreation facility, we needed. We are full steam ahead to operate the centre when it’s ready.

 

Renovations and upgrades are ongoing now, thanks to the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation.  Council was glowing about our work and the mayor congratulated us on our teamwork, (that includes you all) for giving this beautiful little home to hundreds of kids whom we will serve.

 

It was one of the finest moments of my life.

 

One of the mothers who was keen to speak openly talked about living in Forest Lawn as a single mom (of which there are many) and the struggles that she has had with one of her kids, in and out of rehab and the youth justice system at 14. If there had been a centre in Forest Lawn, her daughter would have had a drastically different outcome.

 

We will have that centre soon. She said the only opportunities for kids in the community are drugs and gangs. Her two younger boys take the bus to YCC in Ogden and they are thriving. The centre has changed their trajectories. In fact, they are playing road hockey with Andrew Mangiapane at the centre as we speak. Andrew is running a program in Ogden at our youth centre, when he’s not at the Saddledome. It’s magic. The photo is of one of the boys with Andrew. 

 

Thank you all. You are my first email outside of our staff and I am honoured to work with you on this project.You are making the impact that these many kids need, at both locations. 
 
Warmly and with gratitude,  Jane"

 

 

Andrew Mangiapane and YCC student.