At CYJS we invest in our youth, we nurture their resilience and uncover their potential. As we celebrate National Child Day this November, with the theme ‘identity in children and youth and the things that make them unique’, we want to highlight some of the ways that CYJS encourages young people to embrace what makes them unique.
Who We Are:
CYJS is an organization dedicated to helping young people find their way through challenging life circumstances. We believe every young person matters, we relentlessly pursue strengths and possibility, and we foster meaningful relationships. CYJS does this through our two main programs:
- In the Lead (ITL)
ITL is a strength-based leadership program that helps young people who may be facing adversity discover their unique strengths and skills. Through weekly leadership classes, connections with volunteers, and encouraging community engagement, we watch our Young Leaders flourish. By focusing on what is strong, In the Lead supports young people as they build self-confidence and recognize their potential as leaders. - Calgary Youth Justice Committees (CYJC)
Youth Justice Committees are a community-based alternative to court that gives young people (ages 12 – 18) a second chance on a bad decision. This program holds youth accountable without holding them back. With guidance from caring community volunteers, young people are able to address their actions in a restorative manner that focuses on building positive connections with themselves and their communities.
Why This Year’s National Child Day Theme is Important to Us:
Every day, we empower youth by focusing on what makes them unique – whether this is through In the Lead as young people discover their strengths and leadership potential, or through our Calgary Youth Justice Committees program, where youth recognize their impact as individuals in their community. All of our programming encourages young people to embrace the qualities that make them who they are and to use these traits in positive ways.
National Child Day serves as a great reminder that every young person deserves to feel recognized and understood. By focusing on strengths and individuality, we can help young people navigate their challenges, find hope for their futures, and gain confidence in themselves. We are incredibly grateful to be a part of so many young people’s journeys, today and every day.