YFC in Carman cuts ribbon on expansion project

YFC in Carman cuts ribbon on expansion project the ribbon was cut in Carman on the Youth for Christ (YFC) drop-in centre, with community members from Carman, Dufferin and the surrounding area gathered to celebrate this important milestone. 

Carman YFC Female Program Coordinator Stevie Jeske has been with the organization for over 12 years. 

"We've had a lot of community in here today who got to go around the building and tour really what they've done to support this and how God's used them to give financially, and prayerfully, and just be a part of this amazing building that's come into fruition from the vision that we had, that God's place in our heart to have in this community. It's just been beautiful to see the process of how that has evolved." 

A new gymnasium has been added to the newly renovated existing space.  

"It's such a beautiful space now to come into and I really think it is a big reason why we're seeing the increase of numbers that we are in students. We've regularly had now up to 60 students drop in on a Monday and Friday. We recently had a clothing giveaway with the girls. And there were 77 girls who got to come in and take free clothing and get their hair done, their nails done. They got to eat, and it was just wonderful to see how the space is being utilized so far." 

Right now, volleyball seems to be the most popular sport with youth and Jeske dreams of using the new kitchen to teach youth how to cook and bake, Jeske shared. 

She expressed her tearful and heartfelt gratitude to the many supporters, on behalf of YFC.  

"We are incredibly blessed to have a community that we do. We have been just overwhelmed with the generosity of this community and outside even our community as well. And the money that God has brought in through the partnership and support of so many people, it's really just incredible. I think there is 215,000 that is still left and I'm confident that God is going to bring that in as well."  

The one $1.8 million expansion project received accolades from R.M. of Dufferin Reeve Cor Lodder, Former MLA Blaine Pedersen and Carman Mayor Brent Owen.

Mayor Brent Owen with Manitoba YFC Executive Director Cliff Heide and Carman YFC Executive Director Tyler Friesen.

Owen recalled working in the building for many years before the building beside YFC was purchased and is where the new gymnasium is today. He praised the community for this accomplishment. 

"This facility is a grand culmination of a lot of work from the many different people in our community, and I think it's fantastic that this all came together. It's going to be great for our youth growing up. And let's face it, the youth of Carman is going to be who leads this community someday."  

He noted, the construction of the building used all local trades businesses. 

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