By Youth HQ

helping children and youth during isolation

Youth HQ offering virtual programming during pandemic

Apr 30, 2020 | 2:53 PM

Though the building may be closed to the public, Youth HQ continues to delivery it’s programming to children and youth during this time of isolation.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Red Deer and District and Boys & Girls Club of Red Deer and District have opted to pivot to continue to support program families as opposed to shutting the doors on available resources.

“It’s important that our program families know we’re still here to support them in whatever ways we can,” said Rob Lewis, Executive Director of Youth HQ. “Our Program Coordinators and Leaders know these families and their situations like no other, and they’re a key part to empowering the success of youth in our programs. Whatever we can do to make this time a little easier for them, we’re going to do it.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Red Deer and District is encouraging their community-based matches to connect virtually, whether through video conferencing or other means. They are also encouraging those who have some extra time on their hands to enrol as a virtual mentor, as the program can perform volunteer intakes virtually.

Boys & Girls Club of Red Deer and District has been offering virtual programming content on their Facebook page since the beginning of April and continues to engage program families through virtual club meetings. They will also begin virtual program deliveries to program families in May, dropping off program supplies for kids to do together with other club youth from around central Alberta.

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The 49th Street Youth Shelter is still open and continues to operate as normal, accepting youth into the shelter as well as offering outreach supports to families as possible. If you or anyone you know needs help, call the Shelter directly at 403-341-3190 or text 403-358-1517.

As we work through this challenging time and continue to serve children and families in our programs with the support from our dedicated staff team, Youth HQ unfortunately faces financial challenges to support those efforts. In times like these, we’re thankful to our community for rising to the occasion and for their ongoing support. We welcome any additional support, whether it be through donations or volunteering time in support of our efforts.

As a result of government restrictions, some of our spring fundraising events have had to be re-scheduled or re-imagined. We invite you to visit youthhq.ca for updates on these events.