Long-time employee Cliff Heide has been named YFC's new Executive Director and will begin his new role on January 1, 2020.

Most recently serving as Senior Ministry Director, Heide has been working with YFC for over 18 years. He will also become a member of the Board of Directors because of his new position.

"It's felt like a significant journey through various positions and different types of ministry work, but it's been exciting each step along the way," Heide says.

Heide started volunteering with the organization while he was a student at Providence University College. He worked with YFC's skateboard program called The Edge where he cut his teeth ministering to youth. Heide quickly realized that the ministry was the place for him and has worked in various capacities ever since. 

Heide looks forward to continuing his work at YFC. "When we are able to see the work that we do have meaning in someone else's life and see their faith engagement and see the transformation in that; that is one of the most exciting parts of the job," Heide says.

"The Board is confident that under Cliff's leadership YFC Winnipeg will continue to grow in its ability to reach youth in Manitoba with the good news of Jesus Christ,” YFC Winnipeg Board Chair, Russ Friesen says.

The previous Executive Director, John Courtney, has been working at Youth for Christ for 47 years. He will leave at the end of 2019.

Youth for Christ in a downtown ministry working to “see the hope and potential in every young person.” They work primarily with youths in Winnipeg and have locations in various small towns across the province.