Synergy Youth and Community Development Society – an organization dedicated to leadership and wellness education serving Chestermere, Langdon and rural areas of southwest Rocky View County – has officially become a registered charity. The new charitable status not only allows the not-for-profit organization to issue tax receipts, but will enable it to pursue more sustainable funding options. “…When applying for grant funding, which is very competitive, it gives us more of an edge, though not a guarantee,” said Terry Gill, Synergy program co-ordinator. He said the status will allow Synergy to pursue lottery funding and participate in casino nights. “We are extremely excited to now become an official charity. It opens all kinds of doors for us,” Deborah Hitchcock, board co-chair for Synergy, said in a press release. Synergy focuses on building relationships, which Gill said is an important factor in overall well-being. He added, it takes just one healthy relationship to have a huge impact on a teen’s future. Programs include the SHOUT program for kids ages 10 to 12; the YELL program, catering to youth 13 to 17; and the Youth Internship Program for youth ages 15 to 21 – an opportunity to gain hands-on work experience and real life jobs skills. “We’re preparing kids for adolescence,” Gill said. “The feedback we get is quite impressive. “If you come to us and we don’t have what you’re looking for, we’ll connect you with someone who does.” He said many of the youth involved in the organization start out in the SHOUT program and go all the way through to the Internship program, even extending their time with Synergy by becoming mentors. “Mentorship is booming in the last year,” Gill said. The organization relies on its many committed volunteers to support youth and programming in the community, according to Gill, and many of them remain involved with the group for years. “We have an amazing and incredible team of volunteers,” he said. “(They) come from all different backgrounds, from working to youth to (participating in) art projects.” He added, anyone looking to get involved can visit yoursynergy.ca
