Central Alberta Youth Unlimited/YFC

09/25/2026

This summer our young moms program looked like: parks, popsicle-stained fingers, a mud run finish line, science experiments gone slightly out of control, and conversations over dogs walks.

Simple things. Held together by a community that keeps choosing to show up for each other.

If you're a young mom looking for people like this, we'd love to have you.

09/17/2026

Two days. One team. A whole year ahead of us.

This past Monday & Tuesday our staff gathered this to worship, pray, and plan for the ministry year.

We are so grateful for the people God has put on this team. 💙

08/31/2026

Tickets are now available for our Annual Fall Fundraising Banquet – What If?

What if one conversation changed a life?

📅 Saturday, November 21
📍 Pentagon Farm Centre, Lacombe

4:30 PM | Silent Auction & Program Booths
5:30 PM | Meal & Program

Join us for a catered meal, stories from across Central Alberta Youth Unlimited, and our always-popular dessert auction.

Your support helps make it possible for our staff to continue walking alongside youth through mentoring relationships and programs across Central Alberta.

Tickets
$45/person | $320/table of 8

Purchase your tickets here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/2026-cayu-fundraising-banquet

To reserve a table, contact [email protected] or call our office at 403.789.2298.

We’d love to have you join us as we share a meal and celebrate what God is doing!

08/21/2026

My first few months serving Young Families in Lacombe and sharing the love of Jesus have truly been a blessing. Even when one of our moms has a chaotic morning or a family crisis, they still make the effort to come because this group fills their cup and brings so much joy to their week.

One of our two-year-old attendees is a very shy little boy, and my heart still lifts when I remember the first time he walked up to me with his arms raised, asking me to pick him up. He snuggled right into my neck and let me hold him for over fifteen minutes.

Knowing that God has helped us create a safe and loving environment for these young families fills me with gratitude beyond words. We have shared so many special moments together this season, including a Mother’s Day Tea, a playground picnic, and a visit to a serene local farm. Through each of these experiences, God has opened countless opportunities for us to share the truth of His love and the difference it makes in our daily lives.

I thank God for the generous support He provides, allowing us to walk alongside these young families.

— Amy Traynor, Young Families Lacombe

Want to receive stories like this each month? Subscribe to our E-News mailing list: https://www.cayu.ca/news-events/e-news

08/15/2026

Grace for the Journey

As Family Engagement and Housing Director, I’m full of gratitude as we look ahead to a new ministry year and plan for our Young Families theme for the fall: Grace for the Journey, rooted in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Across our Young Families ministries in Ponoka, Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, and Lacombe, we have the privilege of walking hand in hand with young families through life’s joys and struggles. We long for every young mom and her children to feel welcomed, encouraged, and wrapped in the truth that God’s grace meets them exactly where they are.

We want that same heart to be evident in our Housing program as well. Every young person who comes through our doors has a unique story. Some arrive eager and excited to build relationships, while others come feeling guarded, carrying the effects of past hurt, trauma, or instability. Each is navigating their own challenges and taking steps toward a healthier future.

Regardless of where they are on their journey, our desire is to provide a safe, supportive environment where they are seen, valued, and reminded that God’s grace meets them exactly where they are. Through Christ, we believe there is hope for today and strength for every step of the journey ahead.

- Nadine Davies, Family Engagement and Housing Director

Want to receive stories like this each month? Subscribe to our E-News mailing list: https://www.cayu.ca/news-events/e-news

07/29/2026

Say hello to Bailey Rempel, serving as our Trips, Camps & Events Youth Worker here at CAYU!

Bailey is passionate about helping youth encounter Jesus through adventure. Inspired by the way Jesus intentionally journeyed with His disciples, Bailey believes that time spent in God's creation provides a unique opportunity for young people to grow in faith, build resilience, and discover who God has created them to be.

Looking back on his own life, Bailey is incredibly grateful for the mentors God used to shape and strengthen his faith. Now, his heart is to create spaces where those same life-changing relationships can happen for today's youth. Whether it's in the mountains, on the water, or deep in the wilderness, Bailey loves leading experiences where youth can step away from everyday distractions and encounter God in a meaningful way.

Bailey is excited to journey alongside youth, helping them become resilient leaders who chase after God's heart.

Want to connect?

Email Bailey at: [email protected]

07/22/2026

From June's E-News

For our youth group's year-end wrap-up, we joined several other CAYU youth groups for a BBQ and worship night at the new CAYU land on Woodland Drive. Before worship, Gregg Lockhart shared about his more than 20 years in ministry, the ministry even a building can have in its lifetime, and the vision for this land as the future Lacombe youth centre, a place where thousands of local youth will encounter Jesus. As he spoke, I found myself reflecting on how stories converge. Gregg's years of ministry, my own years attending youth programs there as a teenager, and the countless youth workers and volunteers who have invested in young people over the years all felt connected. I thought about the ways God uses ordinary acts of faithfulness to shape lives across generations.

Later, during worship, I sat between my Grade 8 girls with my hands open in a posture of receiving. When I peeked my eyes open, I noticed a couple of them shyly holding out their own hands while belting out the words with bold abandon. In that moment, I saw the through-line of God's impact, one generation pouring into the next. I saw the story continuing beyond us and into the countless lives these girls will touch in the future. I broke into tears. It felt like a firework in my heart. What an immense blessing it is to witness God's faithfulness across generations.

— Nikki Koning, Executive Assistant

Want to receive stories like this each month? Subscribe to our E-News mailing list: https://www.cayu.ca/news-events/e-news

07/15/2026

From June's E-News

When I stepped into the role of Director of Trips, Camps, and Events earlier this year, I knew I was serving in a ministry that creates meaningful experiences for people of all ages. What I didn’t fully appreciate was how many different ways God uses events to build community and open doors for ministry.

Our recent Golf Tournament was a wonderful reminder of that truth. While golf scores and friendly competition, and some fun golf games certainly added to the fun, the real highlight was seeing people in our communities come together. Throughout the day, relationships were strengthened and new connections were formed. Events like our Golf Tournament may seem simple on the surface, but they create opportunities for people to connect with one another and with the mission of our organization. They remind us that ministry often happens in everyday moments and unexpected places.

Whether it be a staff meeting, a YU Adventures Trip or a Golf Tournament, I am grateful for the opportunity to help create experiences that bring people together. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and supported this year’s tournament. Your involvement helped make the day a success, and I look forward to many more opportunities to connect, serve, and grow together in the year ahead.
— Nicole Mueller, Director of Trips, Camps, and Events

Want to receive stories like this each month? Subscribe to our E-News mailing list: https://www.cayu.ca/news-events/e-news

07/08/2026

If you're spending time at the Innisfail Skatepark this summer, keep an eye out for Jessi and Jonathan from our Innisfail team!

Want to connect with Jessi or Jonathan? Visit our website for their contact information and follow along on Instagram: https://www.cayu.ca/programs/youth-programs/INNISFAIL-YOUTHPROGRAM

This summer, we're excited to welcome Jessi and Jonathan from Central Alberta Youth Unlimited to the Innisfail Skatepark! They'll be onsite throughout the summer, connecting with park users, offering encouragement and support, and lending a hand wherever they can.

Whether you're new to the skatepark or have been riding for years, be sure to say hello if you see them around!

07/07/2026

New Building Update!

Many of you helped make this vision possible by supporting the purchase of this property in Lacombe, and we’re excited to share that the project is continuing to move forward! We’re currently in the Request for Proposal phase for the design and build of the future Youth Unlimited Centre.

Want to learn more about the vision and where we’re headed? Visit our website to explore the project and follow along as we share future updates: https://www.cayu.ca/youth-unlimited-centre (link in bio on Instagram).

Thank you for praying, giving, and walking alongside us throughout this journey.

We can’t wait to share more updates with you!