A Space of Our Own: Building Belonging for Youth in Leduc

Young people in Leduc have been telling us they need somewhere to belong. Not just another program to attend, but a welcoming place where they can spend time with friends, relax, play games, build connections, and simply be teens.

Many youth struggle to find spaces where they feel genuinely welcome. Outside of school, there are limited opportunities for teens to gather in an environment designed specifically for them. Too often, young people are left feeling as though they are loitering, taking up space, or being moved along. They deserve a place where they are valued members of the community and where their presence is encouraged.

BGC Leduc is working toward the development of a dedicated space, and a comfortable, youth-focused gathering space is a key part of that vision. We want to create an environment that feels different from a classroom or school hallway. It should be inviting, age-appropriate, and designed around what youth tell us they need to feel comfortable, connected, and engaged.

Funding from the Field Law Community Fund will help us purchase durable furnishings and recreational equipment that will transform the space into a welcoming hub for youth. This includes comfortable seating, tables, games, and flexible activity areas where young people can connect, participate in informal recreation, and help shape the activities offered. Youth voice will be central to the project, ensuring the space reflects their interests, needs, and ideas.

Since 1988, BGC Leduc has supported children, youth, and families through safe, inclusive, and accessible programs. As our youth programming continues to grow, we consistently hear from young people, families, and community partners about the need for additional opportunities for youth to gather and build positive connections outside of school hours.

A dedicated youth gathering space will provide young people with a consistent place to form friendships, strengthen their sense of belonging, connect with supportive adults, and participate in positive community experiences. By creating an environment where youth feel safe, accepted, and valued, we can help reduce social isolation while fostering confidence, resilience, and community engagement.

This project is about more than furniture and recreation equipment. It is about creating a place where young people know they belong. With support from the Field Law Community Fund, BGC Leduc can help ensure that youth in Leduc have a welcoming space to connect, grow, and thrive.

This project will primarily benefit youth ages 12 to 17 and young adults 18 to 24, with programming separated by age cohort where applicable. These youth will be in Leduc and the surrounding area, particularly those seeking a safe, welcoming place to spend time outside of school hours. The space will be open to youth from diverse backgrounds and will provide opportunities for connection, recreation, and positive social interaction.

Many young people experience barriers to finding places where they feel they belong. Some may feel isolated, struggle to make connections, have limited access to recreational opportunities, or simply need a place where they can spend time with friends in a safe and supportive environment. This project will create a dedicated space where youth are welcomed, valued, and encouraged to participate in shaping the environment and activities offered.

The gathering space will also benefit youth who are not currently involved in structured programs or organized activities. By offering a casual, low-barrier environment, the space will provide opportunities for young people to engage with peers, build confidence, develop a sense of belonging, and connect with caring adult mentors and staff.

Families will benefit as well. Parents and caregivers consistently express the need for safe places where their teens can spend time, build healthy relationships, and participate in positive community experiences. This space will help provide reassurance that youth have access to a supervised and supportive environment designed with their needs in mind.

More broadly, the community will benefit from increased opportunities for youth engagement and social connection. When young people feel connected to their peers, their community, and supportive adults, they are more likely to develop positive relationships, contribute to community life, and experience improved well-being.

By creating a youth-centred gathering space, BGC Leduc will help ensure that local young people have a place where they can connect, belong, and thrive. The project will support both current BGC participants and youth who may be looking for their first opportunity to engage with community-based supports and activities. In doing so, it will strengthen community connections and help address a growing need identified by youth, families, schools, and community partners throughout Leduc.