Grade 8 student Ryder Grant enjoys spending time at Medicine Hat's Be YOUth Centre, where he is well-known for his delicious no-bake cookies.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
For 25 years, Medicine Hat’s Be YOUth Centre has been providing Hatters aged 11-17 a safe, accepting space to connect, discover and have fun.
The centre, open to all local youth on a drop-in basis, offers regular social, recreational and educational programming at no cost to participants. While a core staff manage the centre, programming is largely determined based on youth input.
The centre operates four programs; the Homework Program, which makes available computers and other resources students need to complete their homework; the Employment Program, which provides resume and job seeking support; the Experts Program, through which local specialists in an array of fields share knowledge and assist youth in advancing existing skills; and the Supper Program, where youth come together to plan and prepare a meal.
All of the centre’s programming is made possible through community partnerships, something executive director Amanda Sears is grateful for.
“We want to say thank you to our grants or funders,” Sears told the News.
Sears believes Be YOUth is an essential part of the community.
“(Youth) is a time when kids are really trying to find themselves,” Sears said. “And so, they need role models and direction. They need support while they explore themselves.
“(Be YOUth Centre) gives them a place to be and things to do. It’s a place for them to make connections. And it gives them a sense of purpose … When (youth are experiencing) turmoil, this is a peaceful place and safe place. A place to resolve conflict. And a landing ground for them which refers them on for more support.”
Numbers of youth who access the centre can fluctuate from month to month but, on average, the centre services 3,000 youth per year.
“We have some kids who come before the doors are open, and will stay till the very last minute. We have some kids who come once a month. Some kids just come in the summer,” Sears said.
Dr. Miranda Richardson, one of the centre’s original youth committee co-chairs, is glad to see Be YOUth remains a supportive space.
“I’m impressed with what they have available for the youth,” Richardson said. “They have a lot more than what we had when we first started … It has really taken off.”
Niki Gray, executive director of the Community Foundation of South East Alberta, which provided the funding originally used to open the centre and remains a community partner, is also proud of the centre’s local impact.
“Be YOUth Centre has been a staple in the community for 25 years,” Gray said. “We’re so proud to have been able to support them from day one.”
As she looks to the future, Sears hopes to expand the centre’s free programming by creating more community partnerships with businesses and organizations. She also would love to invite more community members into the centre as volunteers.
Sears invites the community to visit and learn more about the centre during its June 3 open house, taking place from 2-6 p.m.
“The kids are going to bake. So, we’re going to put out some baking,” said Sears. “We’re going to have a silent auction and tours through the centre, to promote our summer programming which is free for families, if they would like to access.”
For more information about the open house or the centre, call or text 403-502-2210.
