youth are key

Youth Centres of Calgary (YCC) began through the vision of its founder Jane. Through her extensive work in Chicago’s inner-city youth centre, she quickly realized that if children were given access to a support system, they had a greater chance of success in life.


When Jane returned to Calgary, she continued to volunteer her time with youth centres, joining the Board of Directors of the Cornerstone Youth Centre (CYC). An opportunity arose to allow Jane to use her cumulative knowledge, and she stepped in initially to manage CYC for six months. That time passed quickly, and CYC saw a drastic change, through different programs, increased donations, and higher attendance by the youth in the area.


After three years, Jane felt it was time to leave and started working on opening her own youth centre with the same template she had created and refined while managing CYC. Through extensive research and consultation, it was found that the community of Ogden was best suited for a youth center as there were limited activities or clubs for youth to join.


YCC was born after Jane purchased a home to convert into the centre. A house was necessary as YCC needed to literally and figuratively represent a second home for at-risk Ogden youth.


The template that all Calgary Youth Centres will be constructed upon is based on the following:
• Open to youth ages 11-15.
• Operates in a house
• Plenty of activities, sports equipment, art, and instruments to keep kids entertained
• Daily snacks and meals provided
• Daily chores and sense of responsibility
• Safe environment with adult supervision and mentorship during all open hours
• Homework help and quiet space
• Positive socialization and friendships with kids in their community
• Sense of community and responsibility


With these core systems in place, Jane plans to open more YCC’s in other Calgary communities in need.