Rob Lewis has an extensive background in non-profit work and has a soft spot for helping foster positive environments for youth. 

Lewis will be taking over as Youth HQ's new Executive Director on April 6th, and he says it's going to be a welcome change that he's very much looking forward to. 

"I started the adventure with Big Brothers Big Sisters close to 20 years ago as a mentor. I think investing resources in the lives of young people creates more space where they can succeed," Lewis said. 

"I think lots of times we try to deal with things from a reactionary perspective - and for good reason. If there’s crime, for example, we need to deal with that crime. But I would like to think I’m doing something to get ahead of the curve, though. Our organization is dealing with kids to help keep them from getting involved in criminal activity in the first place."

Youth HQ is Red Deer's headquarters for the local BBBS chapter, the Boys and Girls Club and houses the 49th Street Youth Shelter. The combination of these programs in one facility creates a place where agencies can easily connect and adapt to provide care youth in the community. 

Lewis said he understands that youth will always face different challenges, but he's looking forward to being a part of organizations that support youth through those tough times. 

"My hope is that building on two really strong national programs - BBBS and Boys and Girls Club - really is a great investment into the community. It builds on assets that are there. It helps the kids recognize that they are more than somebody who has to settle for a life of crime, or follow the path of parent who went that way," he said. 

"The agency is kind of unique because it also has the 49th Street Youth Shelter, and that deals with the intervention end. There’s always going to be challenges, so when the kids find themselves in that place of challenge, needing a safe place to go or somewhere to start over, we also do offer that place."

Lewis will be leaving the City of Red Deer, where he holds the role of Program Coordinator for Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

He said he's looking forward to being on the ground and back in the community where he gets to see the faces of the kids who are being positively impacted by these programs, and work alongside the volunteers and staff who deliver these programs.