Overview of Programs
For over 22 years, Inner City Youth Alive has
been changing the lives of youth, one life at a time. It began
in 1986, when Co-founder Kent Dueck and a friend decided to take
action in making the inner city a brighter place by taking kids
from Rossbrook House (an inner city drop-in) on wilderness camping
trips in an old CN van. The van has now grown into a 20,000 square
foot facility in the North End of Winnipeg on the corner of Aberdeen
and Salter, offering many programs and initiatives. Programs offered
are the following:
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The Bridge
The Bridge drop-in is a recreational centre, seeking to provide
a relational bridge between youth in our community and healthy
Christian role models. The drop-in meets the needs of youth at
various levels; it usually is our first point of contact and is
the funnel to our other programs. At our open drop-in centre,
there will be anywhere from 50 - 80 children per night, providing
local youth, ages 6 and up, with a safe and accepting environment
and a place to be. Tuesday nights are for 13 and up, and Thursday
nights are for youth ages 6-12.
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Third Floor Clubs
The weekly boys & girls Third Floor Clubs program (an extension
of The Bridge) provides youth a place to develop deeper relationships
with staff and volunteers in a small group setting. 2 leaders
are paired with 3-5 youth every week for Bible studies, service
projects, relational building and lots of fun. The leaders act
as mentors by helping youth achieve their fullest potential and
encouraging them in their growth as disciples of Jesus. They also
strive to help youth understand their role as Christians within
their community.
Teens who exhibit further interest and commitment
are given opportunities for leadership training and experience.
Leadership Development targets potential leaders from within the
Third Floor Clubs and our other programs, helping them to develop
into healthy, positive role models.
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Chopper Club
Many youth in our community do not own a bicycle. The Chopper
Club program focuses on inner city youth who have an interest
in building their own custom designed chopper or low rider bicycle.
Meeting once a week on Tuesday nights, youth are paired off with
adult mentors to customize their own bike - learning about bike
repair, metal work, welding and painting. The bike building process
provides a medium where youth receive the attention of an adult
who will be a role model and teach life lessons. Once completed,
they will be able to keep the unique bike they built.
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Inner City Racing
Inner City Racing car club meets every Wednesday night with youth
who have an interest in fixing and modifying vehicles to be raced
at Red River Co-op Speedway. Regular races take place from April
to September and ice racing from mid January - March. The program's
drive is mentorship, building self-confidence, teaching job skills,
equipping the youth for their future and being a father to those
that are fatherless. Click
to learn more »
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Gem Lake Wilderness Camp
Gem Lake Wilderness Camp is set a world away from the pressures
and conflicts of the inner city in the beautiful Nopiming Provincial
Park, located 250 km North of Winnipeg (past Lac du Bonnet). After
the long 3 hour drive, our kids then hike 2 km to the lake, where
boats shuttle them 4 km to the camp in the summer. In winter,
kids experience a 6 km snowmobile ride to reach camp. The camp
program is specifically designed for the youth of the inner city,
offering an adventure they have never experienced before. Our
goals are that campers will enjoy a space where they can come
quietly before God and where leaders can strengthen their faith
and leadership skills. Our 1:1 camper to leader ratio offers many
opportunities for youth and staff to build meaningful, mentoring
relationships.
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Job Skills Training
The program provides specific job skills training in home repair
and renovation, including carpentry, flooring, basic electrical
and plumbing, through practical work experience. Trainees begin
the program with basic skills and safety training, and then under
the guidance of qualified staff, have opportunities to learn on
the job through work contracts with local homeowners. Training
is also provided in client relations and life issues. Trainees
who prove capable and reliable will be encouraged and assisted
in obtaining full time employment with another company, or to
start their own contracting business, or they may continue working
under our supervision.
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Meals for Kids
The Meals for Kids program provides healthy, nutritious meals
in a safe and monitored environment on Wednesday and Thursday
evenings to the children in the community. Many children in the
North End experience poverty, abuse and neglect, and as a result,
do not eat properly or may go hungry. Our goal is to provide a
safe, secure and nurturing environment, where children can engage
with each other and adults while having a healthy meal. The program
is designed to be more than a meal.
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Community Outreach
Community Outreach is designed to intentionally reach out to the
families in our community by having a community minister(s) available
for support and care, to walk alongside our young adults, foster
relationships within our community, and encourage partnerships
with area churches.
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St. Aidan's Christian School
Inner City Youth Alive and St. Aidan's Anglican Church have
formed a partnership to provide a school for 30 students in grades
5 - 8, who are having a hard time in the public school system
and need an intimate educational experience with high staff to
student ratios. All core subjects are taught and a lunch program
is provided.
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