The Nelson and District Youth Centre is an incredible community resource according to former city councillor Paula Kiss, but some people don’t even realize it exists. She’s trying to change that.
“Creating a safe, accepting and empowering community where all youth can interact and access a variety of programs, services and activities they need and enjoy,” she said in a presentation to council last week. “It’s important.”
Kiss recently took on the position of interim manager for the youth centre, and said she was amazed to learn about the diverse programming and the exciting employment opportunities available for youth.
They’re in the process of renovations to add more private office space, and looking into revenue opportunities from renting out space. Another idea to raise their profile is to repaint the exterior to match the graffiti murals inside.
This year the youth centre received $62,000 in funding to upgrade the local campground through a job creation program. Campground revenue goes towards NDYC programming.
But the biggest thing Kiss wants to change is the name.
“It’s time for us to rebrand. Nobody seems to know what NDYC is,” she said.
Any suggestions?