YORKTON - It was 30 years ago the Boys and Girls Club (now BGC Yorkton) launched in the city.
Three decades later the group remains a cornerstone of youth programming in the city.
Lorraine Oranchuk, CEO of the organization said the club has been successful through the years because it has maintained a core principle in terms of what it does.
“It’s relevance to youth . . . if there is a need, we try to find ways to fill that need,” she said.
And within that effort they work to maintain a safe space for youth activities, and to build relationships.”
While many years have passed, Oranchuk said many of the needs of youth “are the same things that have always been there.”
What has changed in a bigger way is how they approach filling those needs – largely having to adapt to a world much more connected in terms of social media, cellphones and the Internet.
“Kids have the same needs but are coming from a different place,” said Oranchuk,
In today’s world there is greater awareness that support for youth for things such as mental health, and abuse, exist because of things such as social media, and Oranchuk said BGC has needed to adapt to be part of the better supports now available.
In part that has been “creating the safe place for people who feel vulnerable and seek support,” she said. “It’s a shift in how we’ve had to adapt.”
Oranchuk has been a big part of the BGC success along with Erin Roussin. Both joined the club as staff in 2002, and have largely been the face of the organization since.
Oranchuk said prior to arriving the club sort of struggled to find its identity.
“The club was young. Just starting out. Getting its foothold,” she said.
But in the ensuing years the club found that footing, with stable staffing, “and being responsive to community needs.”
Oranchuk said those who work at BGC – 17 full and part-time staff – are largely the reason for what they do being as successful as it is.
“The people here are our number one resource,” she said.
Now three decades into the local life of the organization Oranchuk said she finds it hard to believe how far they have come, recalling the days of a 500 square foot office crammed with supplies, and programming spread across the city dependent on various groups for access to space.
Now the BGC is located in a 10,000 square foot building – they moved in in 2012 -- which is home to most of their programming.
While rented, and that provides challenges when considering upgrade investments – and there is a desire for outdoor space for things such as a basketball court – having things “under one roof is just amazing,” said Oranchuk.
The facility allows for programming space to serve youth five-to-18, the most popular program serving youth five-to-12 after school.
“It’s a safe zone while parents are rounding out their work day,” said Oranchuk.
Typically in a year they have about 16,000 visitors to the various BGC programs, said Oranchuk, adding it is interesting they now see parents who once took part in programming as youth, now bring their children.
At some point this year the 30th anniversary will be officially marked, promised Oranchuk.
“We can’t let 30-years slip by without doing something,” she said. “Thirty years is pretty significant to have that kind of influence on the community, that kind of impact.”
Oranchuk said the BGC is always happy to take cash donations to help with programming, or people can drop of things such as art supplies, board games and puzzles for youth, or volunteer skills such as helping paint when needed. They are located at 54 C Smith Street West.
