Youth Central: Empowering Calgary's Youth through Volunteerism and Leadership Development
Through its Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) initiative, Youth Central provides a platform for young Calgarians to contribute to their community while developing crucial life skills. According to Michelle Hodgins, Communications and Philanthropy Coordinator at Youth Central, young individuals can register and access numerous volunteer projects tailored to their interests.
Established in 1993, the YVC program focuses on involving youth aged 12 to 18 in group-based experiences that instill a lifelong commitment to service. The program has experienced significant growth, witnessing a 40% increase in volunteer demand over the past year, with more than 1,500 youth currently enrolled. Volunteer projects are sourced from Youth Central's extensive local partner network, offering a diverse range of opportunities, from working with seniors to assisting at children's day camps.
In addition to traditional projects, seasonal opportunities such as holiday gift wrapping, decorating seniors' homes, or crafting dog toys at the Calgary Humane Society are available. Michelle Hodgins emphasizes that these projects go beyond community service, fostering the development of essential skills like time management, communication, and teamwork, turning youth volunteers into leaders.
Youth Central actively works to eliminate barriers, providing meaningful volunteering opportunities for young individuals to become community leaders. All volunteer opportunities are carefully vetted by Youth Central, and each project is led by a university-aged student who guides the group through the volunteering activities.
Hodgins highlights the positive impact of including young people in community initiatives, stating that it enhances the overall well-being of the community. Enbridge, committed to building vibrant communities, has been a supporter of the YVC program since 2020. In 2024, Enbridge contributed a $20,000 Fueling Futures donation to Youth Central, specifically supporting the YVC program by enabling the organization to hire additional staff and enhance reporting capabilities.
“We take an equity lens with everything,” says Hodgins. “The funding helps to make sure that youth aren’t restricted from participating in volunteer opportunities due to things like transportation or language barriers.”
Last year, the YVC program recorded over 22,300 volunteer hours, nearly doubling the total from 2021. Youth Central extends a warm invitation to potential volunteers to join its network in Calgary.
“Working directly with young people and seeing the world through their eyes always inspires me,” says Hodgins. “Seeing their enthusiasm for change and their ability to problem solve in new ways is the best part of the job.”
Established in 1993, the YVC program focuses on involving youth aged 12 to 18 in group-based experiences that instill a lifelong commitment to service. The program has experienced significant growth, witnessing a 40% increase in volunteer demand over the past year, with more than 1,500 youth currently enrolled. Volunteer projects are sourced from Youth Central's extensive local partner network, offering a diverse range of opportunities, from working with seniors to assisting at children's day camps.
In addition to traditional projects, seasonal opportunities such as holiday gift wrapping, decorating seniors' homes, or crafting dog toys at the Calgary Humane Society are available. Michelle Hodgins emphasizes that these projects go beyond community service, fostering the development of essential skills like time management, communication, and teamwork, turning youth volunteers into leaders.
Youth Central actively works to eliminate barriers, providing meaningful volunteering opportunities for young individuals to become community leaders. All volunteer opportunities are carefully vetted by Youth Central, and each project is led by a university-aged student who guides the group through the volunteering activities.
Hodgins highlights the positive impact of including young people in community initiatives, stating that it enhances the overall well-being of the community. Enbridge, committed to building vibrant communities, has been a supporter of the YVC program since 2020. In 2024, Enbridge contributed a $20,000 Fueling Futures donation to Youth Central, specifically supporting the YVC program by enabling the organization to hire additional staff and enhance reporting capabilities.
“We take an equity lens with everything,” says Hodgins. “The funding helps to make sure that youth aren’t restricted from participating in volunteer opportunities due to things like transportation or language barriers.”
Last year, the YVC program recorded over 22,300 volunteer hours, nearly doubling the total from 2021. Youth Central extends a warm invitation to potential volunteers to join its network in Calgary.
“Working directly with young people and seeing the world through their eyes always inspires me,” says Hodgins. “Seeing their enthusiasm for change and their ability to problem solve in new ways is the best part of the job.”
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