Clarington Youth Advisory Committee (CYAC):
Mission Statement
"To co-ordinate programs, services and activities to meet the needs of Youth within Clarington."
Membership Profile
The CYAC was a multi-disciplinary group that consulted & advised on youth issues within Clarington.
Sectors included.
- Interested Residents -- adults and youth
- John Howard Society
- Municipality of Clarington
- Durham Regional Police Department
- Educational System
- Churches
- Service Clubs
- Community Organizations & Resources
- Businesses
- Durham Region Health Department
History
For a number of years, interested residents and Municipal representatives dealt with community issues related to our youth. Several attempts were initiated to establish youth services in out community. Recognizing the need to address youth issues, the Municipality of Clarington helped to establish the Firehouse Youth Centre on Church Street in Bowmanville, in 1998. After a few years, it became evident that similar services were needed in other areas of Clarington. A group of people from various areas & sectors of the community formed the Clarington Youth Advisory Committee (CYAC) to identify the needs & facilitate programming in communities within Clarington.
Services, Programs & Activities
The Firehouse Youth Centre offers a range of activities for youth aged 18 and younger: floor hockey, basketball, baseball, dodgeball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, snack bar, pool table, Nintendo Wii, foosball and much more. Youth focused workshops are offered, as well as a computer lab with Internet Access.
Trained Staff & volunteers provide supervision.
Programming has included band concerts and dances with entertainment provided by local youth. Weekly movie nights, a girls club, ball hockey tournaments, and a variety of other activities, including day trips.
Youth and adult volunteers also participate in community events and fundraising ventures, raising awareness of the centre while gaining valuable skills and work experience.
Funding
The CYAC was a volunteer, non-profit group. In partnership with the CYAC, the John Howard Society (JHS) of Durham Region, also a non-profit agency, administers the preventitive programing of youth services and oversees staffing. The operation of the Firehouse Youth Centre and all of its services is dependent upon funding from the Municipality of Clarington, Community Service Clubs, Private Donations and fundraising done by the youth and adult volunteers. However, the long-term operation of services and extension through outreach will require funding that exceeds current donations.
Making A Difference
Youth activities and programming serves the community in several ways:
- It provides the youth with a place to socialize with their peers in a positive atmosphere.
- Programming, fundraising and youth councils help youth to gain valuable transferable skills.
- Community involvement aids in developing relationships and respect between the youth and adults, businesses, and service agencies within Clarington, strengthening our community bonds.
You Can Help!
- Volunteering as a youth or adult volunteer: Volunteers make a huge difference in the quality and quantity of programs, services and activities offered and are always welcome and needed. It's a great way to give back to your community and gain valuable skills.
- Donating articles to assist in programming and running activities and events.
- Providing financial assistance or in kind services for operational costs and program needs.
- Joining the Clarington Youth Advisory Committee (adults and youth welcome).
Contact
For more information about the Clarington Youth Advisory Committee, please to don't hesitate to contact:
Shelley Lawrence (Manager, John Howard Society, Bowmanville)
905, 623-6814, ext. 24
shelley.lawrence@jhsdurham.on.ca
Brad Arbour (Firehouse Coordinator), 905-623-6814 ext. 32
brad.arbour@jhsdurham.on.ca
Thank you for your interest!