ESTEVAN — Southeast Advocates has announced a new initiative aimed at empowering local youths while giving back to the community.
The project, called Southeast Youth for Change, is led by the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program and Transitions, operating under the Southeast Advocates.
The project is designed to engage youth in semi-monthly service activities that benefit the Estevan community. Their first event, scheduled for Oct. 21, will see teens lending a helping hand to local small businesses, non-profits or individuals in need by cleaning outdoor spaces.
"We are open to helping anyone who is in need of help, like elderly people or a small business in Estevan," said Cali-Marie Mack, SWIS co-ordinator. "We had the long-term care at the hospital reach out to us about helping clean up their patio. And I thought that was a great [option], exactly what we wanted to do."
Mack explained that the idea came about because of a desire to get youths more involved in the community while promoting Southeast Advocates.
"I [felt] that there's no better way than getting out there in the community by helping the community," she said.
The initiative involves youth from various peer leader groups who work with Mack, as well as Transitions co-ordinators and Transitions consultant. The youth will handle tasks like raking leaves and picking up garbage in the fall and more in the future.
"Right now, we just want to get the kids outside as winter's coming around," said Mack, adding that future plans include snow shovelling as Estevan braces for colder months.
For many of the youths involved, this is a way to earn volunteer hours needed for school while contributing meaningfully to the local community.
Mack noted, "We're hoping to get about 10 kids to come out," and emphasized that the project not only helps the community but also makes teens comfortable with volunteering alongside friends.
Those interested in receiving assistance from Southeast Youth for Change can reach out through the Southeast Advocates - SWIS & Transitions Facebook page or by calling the office directly.
"We're just starting out, and we'll see how far we can take it," Mack said.
For the first event on Oct. 21, the group will pick a maximum of three places for the day. Anyone interested in receiving help will need to provide their own yard care items for the volunteers.
Southeast Youth for Change will continue organizing community service events twice a month, focusing on outdoor tasks before moving on to winter activities like snow removal. The team is eager to make a positive impact, one project at a time.
