Renovations are complete and a welcoming atmosphere has been created at Group Group Youth Society’s drop-in centre in Pincher Creek, with an upgrade to commercial-grade flooring in the main program area of the building.

For some time, the non-profit organization was in desperate need of new flooring as the old tile flooring was breaking apart from wear, tear and age.

“It had gotten to the point that staff, and some youth members, were feeling embarrassed to have guests come to the centre,” says Lynne Teneycke, executive director of Group Group Youth.

Funding received from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta was key to moving the project along. Through the Community Priorities Grant, GGY received $8,000, which, along with some of its own funds, went into the renovations.

CFLSA supports this area of the province with grants generated through its endowment funds.

“Our floor is now so much easier to clean and care for, and so much nicer to live with,” Lynne says. 

It took time to find the necessary materials for the flooring project, but the finished product was well worth the wait.

“It was something that if we were going ahead and going through with it, we wanted to make sure that we did it right,” Lynne explains.

Once the right materials were delivered, renovations began immediately and were completed in under a week. 

GGY serves young members of the community aged six to 18. The organization promotes social interaction through community engagement opportunities, programs and its drop-in centre as a place to casually hang out.

Programs encourage its youth constituents to interact and develop new interests, make new friends and develop life skills.

Some notable initiatives include the junior staff program, Kids Kitchen program, garden program, creation of art, crafts and photography projects, and fundraising projects.

The junior staff program allows youth members to learn how to pursue employment opportunities by submitting a resume and attending a job interview for the program. From there, the member can be “hired” to assist senior staff with tasks around the centre.

“It is amazing how a youngster’s attitude can change when they become ‘staff,’ ” says Lynne.

The Kids Kitchen program runs hand-in-hand with the garden program. Members learn how to cook a variety of meals, often using ingredients from garden beds they tend at the centre. The kitchen always has snacks for members who are hungry for something simple.  

When it comes to arts and crafts, the kids help in deciding what projects they’d like to undertake. Presently, youth members are creating calendars for next year using their own photo.

GGY always seeks to give back to the town where they can. Through fundraising initiatives, they do “in-house” concessions, recycle bottles and cans, and lend a few helping hands at various community events.  

If you are interested in having your child, aged six to 18, become a youth member of GGY, give Lynne a call at 403-627-4616 or swing by during operating hours, from 3:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.