“I want to create opportunities for local at-risk youth and give them a place where they feel that their opinions matter,” says Tracy. And at the Prescott Youth Centre, youth are provided with these opportunities so they can reach their full potential. Each year, between 200 and 250 youth visit the safe, supervised, drug- and alcohol-free atmosphere of the youth centre. They participate in a variety of recreational activities that otherwise would not be accessible or affordable for them. Many of these activities revolve around community involvement, such as the town clean-up and the Christmas parade.

It is very rewarding for Tracy to see youth grow into better people with more self-esteem and life skills as a result of the opportunities provided to them through the centre. “They just need to be given the chance to succeed.”

The centre has just dramatically increased its capacity to serve local youth. They moved into a newly renovated centre that is in a much more central location with greater space for programming. This move was very special for Tracy, as it was the result of three years of hard work and determination.

Tracy’s efforts are now directed towards decreasing the community’s negative perception of youth. Many people do not view youth as productive members of society and therefore do not value support services that help them make greater contributions to society. If the community accepts youth, then it will be easier for the centre to gain support and improve their services.

United Way understands the importance of youth and has supported the youth centre through all of its endeavours. “We wouldn’t be operating without it,” Tracy remarks of United Way support. This is the case for so many of United Way’s member agencies. United Way is a lifeline in the community and your support helps guarantee that this lifeline does not break.