Edmonton congregation partnering to provide hope

Edmonton Community of Christ has had a long-standing relationship with Youth Empowerment and Support Services (Y.E.S.S.), an organization dedicated to helping youth in crisis in the Edmonton Metro area. This centre provides youth aged 15–21 years with a single point of access to a safe place to stay, as well as physical, mental, emotional, and cultural resources on a 24/7 basis.

Community of Christ began their relationship with Y.E.S.S. because of one member’s request to attend a fundraising dinner. Over the years, more financial assistance was offered by the congregation, until 2016, when the first Fun Walk was organized as a fundraiser. This has become an annual event for members, friends, and Y.E.S.S. staff members.

The church is located just 3 km from the Y.E.S.S. Centre. In place of a Sunday morning worship service, the congregation, friends, and staff meet to walk on trails through a beautiful ravine to the Centre. There, we have a rest stop before returning to the church. Those who choose not to walk enjoy a social time at the church. This is one of our “Service Sundays,” which occur every time there is a fifth Sunday in the month. Last year, a total of 46 people participated, 42 were walkers.

When all the walkers return, everyone is served a lovely lunch. Initially, the congregation shared a bit about who we are as Community of Christ, emphasizing our Enduring Principles. In turn, Y.E.S.S. shared their goals and values as an organization. We discovered we had much in common in our desire to assist Edmonton’s youth. In subsequent years, we have had participation from an increasing number of Y.E.S.S. staff. The Executive Director has shared updates and future plans with the congregation and given an opportunity to ask questions. Although we have not had any youth currently housed at Y.E.S.S. attend the Fun Walk, we have heard success stories of youth helped by the Centre. In particular, one person who became a staff member attended the Fun Walk and shared her story at the lunch.
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Working with youth in crisis requires training and a skill set that we do not have as a congregation. However, as friends of Y.E.S.S. partnering with them, we are able to help promote a community of hope for youth in Edmonton.