Our Cause
At the heart of Youth Unlimited | YFC Highlands are long-lasting, transformative relationships of love and care among vulnerable young people, their families, and their communities.
How we are doing this today looks very different than just weeks ago, but our heart, mission, and vision remain the same.
During this pandemic, our youth and families are facing unique challenges – including a significant increase in anxiety and the risk of domestic abuse. The presence – virtually or at a social distance – of the Youth Unlimited | YFC Highlands team is needed more than ever.
By 'taking your shots' on our virtual golf course in this Driving the Difference event, you will be ensuring that no youth or family we serve gets left behind as a result of the impacts of COVID-19.
Monies raised through Driving the Difference will be supporting:
(1) our innovations and adaptations to continue to reach the vulnerable in our communities during this pandemic, and (2) the ongoing sustainability of long-term transformation among young people in our communities.
(1) our innovations and adaptations to continue to reach the vulnerable in our communities during this pandemic, and (2) the ongoing sustainability of long-term transformation among young people in our communities.
Here's how we are responding
to this pandemic:
to this pandemic:
1. Crisis Care
One of the ways we are interacting with our youth during the Covid-19 crisis is through a dedicated phone and live chat line. This project had been under consideration since last fall, but when the crisis happened, we decided to accelerate the implementation of this worthwhile venture. YUChat.ca is a place where youth can reach one of our caring staff or volunteers. Currently, we are open from 12 noon till 12 midnight, Monday to Friday. Teens can call or text us if they need to discuss an issue, have questions, or just want someone to talk to. This is really what we do best: engage our teens in conversation, leading to meaningful discussions about life and God.
2. Relational Support goes Virtual
Our drop in centers, in-school programs and the central office have been closed, however that does not mean our ministries also have been shut down. Very quickly staff expanded online ministries. Many of our youth have already had an on-line presence so the move was a smooth one. While we definitely miss the personal and group interactions with our youth, we are still very much in touch with them, and helping them through this COVID-19 journey and other challenges our youth face daily.
3. Advocating in our communities
From Guelph to the Muskoka Region, the youth and families we serve need help navigating life when many of their usual supports have been shut down. To ensure those we serve receive the help they need, we are advocating for them and helping them navigate through their challenges. This essential advocacy provides the youth we serve with a more stable direction to move forward in their lives.
Here's how your support
will make a difference:
will make a difference:
1. Transitioning Online
Staff found ways to interact with the youth: established an Instagram account (@youthofhighlands) where teens can find activities to do; moved bible studies online; online gaming was expanded. Not only does this allow staff to interact with youth in our community, but provides an avenue to reach out to youth throughout Ontario and beyond. One of our Highlands staff hosts an online cooking show while another staff does “drive by” visits with his vehicle. These are but a few of the ways our staff has found ways to maintain contact and continue to minister to the youth of our communities.
2. Supporting our Staff
As we respond to the pandemic, your partnership will ensure our staff receive the support they need to continue to thrive, including: (a) leadership care and direction to navigate this evolving situation; (b) emergency funding in the event of any shortfalls; (c) continued spiritual and emotional supports to ensure their well-being.
3. Supporting our Operations
We will get to the other side of this COVID-19 season, and your partnership will ensure the sustainability of our core operations. This includes: (a) maintaining administrative support to staff and volunteers, (b) providing ongoing vision and leadership for Youth Unlimited | YFC Highlands in Orangeville and Grand Valley, and c) operational support to all the new initiatives across our entire chapter during this crisis.
