Thank you for taking the time to read about what is going on at Youth Unlimited Edmonton. We really appreciate your engagement with the mission of providing youth with opportunities to explore their potential, understand their worth, and discover hope.
This update will focus on the great things that happened in 2023, and the things you can expect for the fall.
2023 Highlights
1,420 youth connected
Participation of 10,667 at 336 events
9,788 meals or snacks served
205 youth demonstrated 618 Impact Markers
The impact markers referred to above include things like sharing a difficult challenge in their life, performing an act of service, improved social engagement, starting mentorship, or initiating spiritual conversation. These are all significant steps for the development of resiliency.
Another cool thing we do to understand the impact you are making in young lives is collect impact statements directly from our youth. Here are a few:
"I really like this place because I feel like I can really just be myself here and feel comfortable in who I am" - male, 15
"If you got something on your mind you can talk to the people at the Core; they really care about how you are doing" - male, 16
"This place feels like home, It's safe, fun and I feel heard" - female, 17
"Wow I can't believe a place like this exists! I wish I would have known. Can't wait to back again” - male, 15
" I really like when you guys ask me to help out, I feel included and appreciated" - male
An analysis of the impact statements from the last 4 years revealed that over 65% of the statements contained a relational component, with 28% referring to being cared for, 21% feeling acceptance, and 17% feeling safe.
These findings have informed the need to continue to provide a highly relational foundation to all our programming. Relationship is something youth are craving. Youth are becoming more aware of the shallowness of a social media driven life and experiencing a deep longing for real relationship. Relationship is the key to overcoming the effects of loneliness and isolation that so many of our youth are experiencing today. You are helping to make that happen in so many lives!
We are so grateful that so many generous partners have given of their time, energy and money to bring about such great impact in young lives with such desperate need. Especially in the midst of our own challenges. Thanks for your faithfulness!
Moving into the fall, we regret to inform you that we will be closing one of our centres, the Commons at Terwillegar Rec Centre, due to the inability to secure grant funding for the project and the loss of one of our key managers, Daniel Ripmeester, who will be moving on to pursue a joint venture with his wife.
We will still be operating our youth centres in 3 locations in Edmonton, the Cellar in Northgate, the Vault in Londonderry, and the Core in Mill Woods, and one in Elk Point, the Garage, and look forward to seeing many more amazing things happen.
With much thankfulness,
Gary and the Youth Unlimited Team
P.S. We are always looking for volunteers and more staff. There is so much potential for YUE to grow our reach and provide more programming and support. Please email admin@yuedmonton.com if you know someone who might be interested in a career that will make a significant difference in young lives. More information is on our website.
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