SPEC Association in Brooks says Youth Connections program will be eliminated after funding cuts

The Family Resource Network funding specifically targeted Youth Connections, a program that provided free programming and safe spaces for young people across Brooks and the County of Newell.

Programs affected include Youth Labs, The Mezz, Kid Kuisine, Mini Maker, Mission Imagination, Hackz and a large portion of SPEC’s summer programming.

In a statement, executive director Amanda Goodnough said the loss extends beyond programming.

“This is not simply the loss of a program. It is the loss of opportunities, relationships, mentorship and safe spaces for young people in our community,” Goodnough said.

“For many youth, these programs provided a place where they felt accepted, supported, and connected,” she added.

“Some of our most vulnerable youth found a sense of belonging through Youth Connections, and not only will that loss be felt throughout the entire region, [but] it also puts increased pressure on our schools and other services.”

During the 2025-26 program year, Youth Connections recorded more than 4,900 youth engagements across its programming and events, according to SPEC.

The organization also played a role in community initiatives, including seasonal events and school-based programming in partnership with local organizations.

Board chair Catherine Siakaluk said SPEC has served the region for nearly five decades.

“SPEC has served children, youth, and families in the Brooks Newell region since 1978,” Siakluk said in a statement.

“SPEC isn’t going anywhere, and while we understand that funding priorities change, we are deeply concerned about the impact these decisions will have on young people in our region,” she added.

“The complete loss of youth programming leaves a significant gap in services at a time when youth connection, belonging, and support are more important than ever.”

Youth Connections served participants from across Brooks and the County of Newell, including Bassano, Duchess, Rosemary, Rolling Hills, Rainier, Scandia, Lake Newell Resort, Tilley, Gem, Patricia, and Millicent.

SPEC says it will continue advocating for funding restoration while seeking alternative funding sources and strengthening local fundraising efforts.

The organization says it remains committed to finding sustainable solutions to continue supporting children, youth, and families across the region.

Goodnough says they believe local communities should have a strong voice in determining the services that are available to them.

“Our goal is to build a stronger and more diverse funding base that allows us to continue responding to local needs, regardless of changing provincial or federal priorities,” Goodnough said in a statement.

by Jesse Gill

SPEC Association in Brooks says Youth Connections program will be eliminated after funding cuts

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