Who we Are
The Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op is an essential skill building and alternative education program for all youth in Saskatoon.
The Community Youth Program which runs full time out of CNYC in partnership with the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools where youth can earn academic credits.
Through our partnership with BGC Saskatoon, youth can also learn life, art, cultural teachings in a compassionate and supportive environment. We work with youth between the ages of 16 and 19.
We promote the values of community, cooperation, sustainability, environmentalism, gratitude, accountability and leadership in an empowering and respectful atmosphere.
Each year we work with upwards of 100 youth either in the Community Youth Program or the Carpentry/Woodshop. Most of the youth come to CNYC on their own terms but we do receive referrals from outside agencies. We believe that all youth should be able to access a safe spaces to develop workplace skills and further their education.
Who We Serve
The youth who attend CNYC come from difficult circumstances, often unhealthy and unsafe living conditions, and are faced with ongoing challenges as they transition into adulthood. Without positive family and peer support, they have not been successful in the conventional education system and many have been involved with the criminal justice system. A majority of our participants are youth between the ages of 16-19 and vast majority of whom are Metis or Indigenous.
Moreover, many of the youth who come to CNYC are lacking the most basic life skills in areas such as nutrition, hygiene, health and parenting. Because of this, we try to make our programming scope broad and holistic, taking into consideration the whole person and the specific interests and needs of each youth.
Our Mission
CNYC is committed to developing education, life and training to all Saskatoon city youth. We create educational and training opportunities through hands-on programming and community outreach. We promote the values of cooperation, sustainability, leadership skills, environmental principles, and youth initiative in a safe and respectful environment.
Our Vision
We envision youth developing and implementing their own initiatives, which directly benefits themselves and their communities. CNYC is place where youth representing a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences can come together, mentor and learn from each other and build stronger communities. CNYC also engages the youth to be leaders in their communities.
Our History
Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op (CNYC) was established in 1996 when Riversdale community members created a community-based organization that would work to address self-sufficiency, co-operative principles and environmentalism. The CNYC began as an opportunity for youth to engage in creative economic activities based on environmental principles.
Over the past decade the CNYC has evolved to a program that balances both education and skill-development. Each youth can work towards completing their high school education, receive training and certification in various fields and learn trade skills that they can use towards gaining employment in the community. Most importantly, this offers youth an opportunity to make money, increase their skill-set and develop confidence.
