Local group concerned for youth since 1990

While you may not recognize the name of the organization you most certainly will know their vehicle.

Concern for Youth has been serving and caring about area youngsters in the Battlefords since 1990 and will celebrate their 27th anniversary in June.

Executive Director of Concern for Youth Nicole Fidelak said the group was formed at a grassroots level when a few community-minded citizens became concerned about children and teens that were out late at night or on the streets with no one looking out for them.

“The founding members of the group would drive around town at night watching for young people who were maybe alone, hungry and scared,” Fidelak said. “They would check in with them give them a snack but more importantly they wanted them to know that someone out there really cared about them.”

Over the years Concern for Youth has expanded. The first club meetings were usually held in a board members basement and everyone connected with the group was a volunteer. Today, the group has paid staff and an office at the Don Ross Centre which enables them to host programs and services for teens and young people of the Battlefords.

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“We hear it a lot that people don’t know who we are but they do recognize our white vehicle with the red letters and big handprints on the side,” Fidelak quipped. “However the youngsters we have looked out for over the years know who we are and thats what matters most.”

The group serves children aged 5 to 19 years of age and is primarily funded through government agencies such as the Ministry of Social Services as well as the Town of Battleford and the City of North Battleford.

Fidelak added that Concern For Youth will be fundraiinsg more this summer so they can provide more services for youth programs and outreach.

“We will be hosting our first barbeque this Thursday at the Co-op BBQ Shack from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the evening.” She noted. “We will be doing a bit more fundraising this year so we can provide services for youth who are in need.”

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW