Organization Synopsis
Youth Centres of Calgary (YCC) is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to supporting at-risk youth in underserved communities in Southeast Calgary. Founded in 2018, YCC operates safe, welcoming spaces known as the Ogden House & Forest Lawn House, which serves as a "home away from home" for children aged 9 to 15. The centers provide critical services such as healthy meals, mentorship, homework help, and various enriching activities, including sports, arts, and music. This environment fosters positive relationships and personal development, helping children build resilience and self-esteem during crucial developmental years.
YCC's mission is to address the needs of vulnerable youth who often face challenges such as poverty, trauma, and neglect. The organization emphasizes the importance of providing a safe place for children to thrive and engage in constructive activities after school. They aim to reduce the impacts of poverty by ensuring easy access to food, mentorship, and community support. In response to growing demand, YCC opened a second center in Forest Lawn in September 2024, expanding their reach and services to more youth in need.
Through community support and partnerships (such as ASHRAE), YCC strives to empower youth, helping them discover their potential and achieve better outcomes in life. The organization relies on donations and volunteer efforts to sustain its programs and continue making a positive impact in the community.
Project Synopsis
The Forest Lawn Centre, which opened this time last year, was built in 1958 and in urgent need of an HVAC upgrade. Carrier Enterprise donated a replacement furnace w/Split AC and David Clarke, a Trane technician, along with some colleagues will be the team providing the retrofit work required to upgrade this facility. Additionally, once the Forest Lawn location upgrades are complete, we’ll focus our efforts on the initial YCC centre known as the “Ogden House”, which was built in 1974 and requires the same work.
As an organization (SAC ASHRAE) we’re grateful to our members and our industry colleagues, for their contributions to the Youth Centers of Calgary (YCC). It is through these efforts that we’re able to continually make a difference in our local community!
Raymond Nattress and Erich Binder - Sustainable Communities