Celebrating International Youth Day!

Testimonials from members of our Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

Elle

“I think my favourite thing I’ve accomplished on YAC is just the community I make along the way. I get to meet so many higher-ups and members in the Grandview community who want to talk to me and get to know my opinions, thoughts and views. Instead of just being part of the community, I get to be involved in it in ways a younger me could never imagine. 

If someone was thinking to join YAC, I’d say to just go for it. Everyone here is incredibly kind and accepting always ready to celebrate the qualities you bring to YAC. There is nothing that you would regret and we’d be incredibly excited to welcome you!”

Teagan

“One of my favourite YAC memories is sharing my thoughts and ideas about how Grandview Kids can help parents and families feel part of a welcoming community. I also enjoyed volunteering and helping make Grandview-sponsored family events a success. 

Some things I’ve accomplished being part of YAC are having people see me as someone who is intelligent, creative and has well-thought-out ideas and then seeing those ideas become a reality. YAC has helped make a difference for me by being able to help and volunteer for Grandview events. I have been able to give back to Grandview for all the memories they helped create for my family over the years growing up as a Grandview kid and helping create those memories for new families. 

Youth voices are important. By sharing our experiences being a part of Grandview and growing up a Grandview Kid and using the services provided, we can provide feedback on what worked for us and what helped us become who we are today. Sometimes having younger voices can help provide a fresh new outlook on ideas and suggestions.

My advice to young people thinking about being part of YAC: I would highly recommend it. The friends I have made being part of YAC has been an awesome experience and the feeling you get knowing you are helping Grandview families is an incredible source of pride.”

Olive

“I am most proud of getting out of my shell and meeting new people through YAC. YAC has helped me in my community by showing me how everyone is special in their own ways. It is important to have youth voices to shape programs and services at Grandview Kids because they can help come up with many different ideas to make it fun for everyone and to have ways to make people feel included with things. 

My favourite memory from being a part of the YAC was helping with the Accessible Trick-or-Treat event at the Kids’ Safety Village.

I would tell another young person who is thinking about joining YAC how this is a good way to meet other youth that are just like you and how we do a lot of fun things, like being involved in planning events.”