Community Investors XVII - Youth Central

The 16th non-profit highlighted in the  CIES Community Investors Series is Youth Central Founded nearly 25 years ago as Child and Youth Friendly Calgary, Youth Central envisions a society where all youth participate in shaping a vibrant community. This vision is based on the firm belief that young people who experience involvement and philanthropy at an early age grow up with an ongoing sense of responsibility. Youth in modern society are undervalued and should be challenged to do more: they need to be included in all aspects of community life.

Inspiring, engaging and celebrating youth through community participation via various initiatives, Youth Central provides youth the opportunity to volunteer, serve on steering committees, voice their opinions to business leaders and politicians, learn about the diversity in their community, serve on a youth foundation and develop citizenship skills. Youth Central achieves its mission by way of nine innovative programs and events – each with a different focus on youth engagement. The programs are primarily aimed at youth between the ages of 12-18.

When junior and senior high school aged youth get involved in Youth Central’s programs, they gain experience in areas of voluntarism, philanthropy, teamwork and leadership. In addition, youth enhance their self-esteem while making new friendships. The community is opened up to them and they learn about its rich diversity, at the same time gaining valuable employment skills to help prepare them for the future!

CIES would like to congratulate Youth Central on all their mazing work and thank them for building Calgary into a better city with a bigger heart in the process. For more information on their programs and how you can get involved visit their website.