Kids Kitchen at Group Group Youth

Josh Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Ria Choe (left) making supper with Group Group Youth kids
J. Davis photo

July 4, 2012 was healthy Nacho Night down at Group Group Youth. Senior Staff Ria Choe, who supervises Arts and Crafts as well as Kids Kitchen, coordinated the nights cooking. Choe started working for Group Group Youth just over a month ago when she saw an ad in the newspaper. She enjoys the challenge of working with the different children who arrive each night. For their part, the kids all seem eager to pitch in with the cooking and cleaning.

“I love it, I love working with kids,” said Ria with a smile. “Everyone tried to chip in with at least one part. They know it’s their night.” The children decide on the meals to be cooked during Kids Kitchen.

Running since 1987, Group Group Youth offers a haven to children between the ages of 6 and 18. It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 3:30-9, Friday from 3:30 to 10, and Saturday from 4-10. Group Group Youth receives funding from Pincher Creek Family and Community Support Services, as well as Sogo Active. In addition to its Senior Staff Group Group Youth have a Youth Volunteer Program and Junior Staff.

Kids Kitchen was slower than usual on this night according to Manager Lynne Teneycke, who said that they usually get around 20 kids a night. Group Group Youth (YES)  is also responsible for administrating Youth Employment Services, coordinated by Kelsi Byam and located at 723 Main Street (behind Four Winds Real Estate). Group Group Youth has a sponsored child, Mozart Noel Garache Reyes, to whom they give one dollar a day. Often the kids pay for this sponsored child, and will write letters and send pictures to him.