We all strive for joy and togetherness during the holiday season.  This is exactly what one of our core ministries here at YFC Winnipeg, the Young Parents Program, was able to provide to their growing community this Christmas season.  Due to some gracious donations, the ministry leaders were able to coordinate pantry hampers for 18 young families.  Opportunities to provide tangible care like this are important. “The community support around this project was incredible,” says Deb Richards, Director of the Young Parents Program.  A group of amazing volunteers even went shopping and wrapped gifts for each of the 25 children.  What an incredible blessing to these young families.

Just before Christmas the Young Parents also held their first ever whole family Christmas party, complete with dinner, crafts, and games.   The drop-in area was full of families having fun together, connecting as families, and decorating stockings and ornaments.  Gingerbread houses were constructed and eagerly deconstructed as the kids enjoyed eating the icing and the candies.  For the dads and kids who like to build, we had block towers rising and falling. “It was a loud, messy, and beautiful night,” says Deb. She shared with the group about Emmanuel, God with us, and the hope that comes from knowing He is always with us, from the beginning of the world to the first Christmas and to the here and now, and that in the mess and the beauty of life, He never leaves us.   

We know that young parents have incredible potential, but also face a great deal of struggle.  At Youth for Christ, we strive to be a place where young parents are seen, known, and valued; a place where young moms and dads can build community with other young families and trustworthy adults who will support them through all the ups and downs.

To learn more about this important ministry, please visit:

yfcwinnipeg.ca/young-parents/