It all started in 1993...

The North Peace Youth Support Association (NPYSA) began in 1993 as a youth driven collective, seeking an alternative to drugs and alcohol in the area. They canvassed Town of Fairview and M.D. Councils, receiving some support for the initiative. Over time, the community realized that having a safe and constructive space for youth to gather was important. Significantly, they were offered space in the Fairview Provincial Building, where they have resided ever since (thank you Ministry of Infrastructure!). This has allowed all programming and supplies to be provided free of charge to all participants. We are a registered charity in Canada and society in Alberta.

Since the beginning, NPYSA has had a few different names, The Link, IT Youth Centre and now Ignite, but we have continued to offer fun, free after school and evening programming for youth aged 12 - 18 and now including 10 - 11 year olds in our pilot program, Ignite Junior.

We are so honoured to have been nominated for - and received - the distinction of Best Charity for 2021 by the Fairview & District Chamber of Commerce.

Our program, Ignite Junior, for youth aged 10 - 11 is held afterschool twice/week. Activities include cooking, learning about healthy, budget meals, sewing, crafts, mindfulness & emotional regulation, coping skills, podcasting all with the underpinning of social inclusion.