Youth for Christ in Morden continues to appeal to the community for support of their mission to reach teens in the community.
The ministry is holding a fish fry fundraiser this Friday, May 1. The annual event has become an important initiative for the organization, bringing in upwards of $20,000.
“Every one of those dollars helps us to serve our teens better and provide them programming for free,” said Reilly Smith, who is stepping into the role of executive director.
“We know that there are youth involved in sports and other activities, but there’s lots of youth who aren’t, and they also need a safe outlet. They need a space where they can grow and develop and experience some degree of independence while also having a degree of safety.”
The by-donation fish fry takes place from 4-7 p.m. at the Christian Life Centre (605 1st Street) with both dine-in and take-out available as well as gluten free options.
Smith said the funds raised will go a long way to supporting the organization with everything from their drop-in nights to Samson’s Gym.
“Essentially, all of our programs at YFC Morden are offered for free. There’s the sole exception of if a teen wants to go to our gym outside of the hours that we have volunteers there, then that part they pay a $10 a month fee,” Smith explained. “It makes it easy for any teens of any backgrounds to access it, but it does also mean that we have to cover the costs.”
Which is why community support is so important to YFC.
“There’s no government funding or anything like that which goes into our youth regular programming,” Smith said, noting they may get funding for a couple summer students and specific projects, but “when it comes to our programs and staff, it’s all fundraised.”
Drop-in programs are their main initiative, aimed at providing a supportive space for junior high and high school students.
“Each of these provide a safe place for teens to go to on those nights to make connections with adults who care for them, who are safe and can help teach them,” said Smith.
“By developing these relationships, not only do we provide a safe space but we’re also providing an opportunity for them when they do run into trouble, when they do have issues, that there’s someone they can come talk to and have those conversations, and of course we do this from a Christian perspective. We want these teens to know that they are loved and they are cared for and that they are valued.”
Between their two locations in Morden and Pilot Mound, Smith estimated they have about 160 weekly program connections, and he sees there really being a need for it.
“There’s a tremendous need for these things,” he said. “Every teen just needs somebody who is just willing to listen to them, who cares about them, who wants a relationship with them but doesn’t want it to get anything out of them … all we’re asking is that we can sit down with them and have a conversation and build relationships.”
Looking ahead, YFC Morden has been raising funds for an asphalt pad outside for a basketball court, new fencing, and a gazebo to spruce up its outdoor space.
“We’ve gotten over half way there, but there’s still a lot of money to go,” said Smith.
