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The Dam is partnering with youth to create an inclusive community where all are welcomed, valued and respected
why youth need us
We hear that The Dam could be in every community. Why? Adolescence is a difficult time of life, and many young people seek an understanding of where they belong. In The Dam, everyone finds belonging, a basic human need. From the safety of being part of something, they find connections to friends, values and their self-worth. It is then that they can grow, gain confidence and become leaders.
Youth at the Dam report
What happens if You do nothing?
Over 25 years, The Dam has been helping youth through youth programming and development. We CAN tell you what happens when young people thrive.
“The environment and staff (of The Dam) helped shape me into the person I am today,” says Chris Rowley who is now an adult leader in the community.
Executive Director Carol Reist who joined The Dam 20 years ago reflects on those who she first met: “They are working and raising families and they fondly remember back to their days as teenagers when they had a safe place to go after school.”
One of The Dam’s youth leaders says: “it’s hard to believe in myself; it takes courage to get up and try. My courage, in this case, comes partly from the people and community around me (at The Dam).”
Lives of young people don't have to be decided by stories of their past.
Over 25 years, The Dam has been changing lives for the better. Let’s give future youth the same opportunity.
Youth at The Dam almost all agree that they grew in:
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Goal setting, self-esteem, self-confidence, and sense of personal agency
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Capacity for healthy relationships
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feeling of social support, and
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life skills
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