As reported first a year ago, the community of Carlyle has been host to an after-hours youth centre thanks to the generous support of the Carlyle Pentecostal Church.
Dubbed 'Shock Wave,' the centre provides a secular retreat from the streets for youth on Friday and Saturday nights.
When first proposed, the idea was to provide a safe-haven for youth, with the added benefit of mentoring and adult monitoring.
Pastor Matt Redstone, who has been integrally involved with the centre since it was first planned, says now that the first year of operation is coming to a close, Shock Wave has been doing a great service to the youth and other members of the community.
"I think we're a success," Redstone said. "In our minds, we have managed to bring a number of kids in who otherwise might be out bored, and lured into some questionable activities."
Redstone, who had just graduated from Briercrest College previous to coming to Carlyle, has said the experience has been helpful in his growth as well.
"I am just trying to find my character and style," Redstone said of his present calling. "It's been good. I've been happy with the response from the community and the youth."
When first explored as a possibility, Pastor Louie Halbgewachs had said the community seemed very much on-side with the idea.
"The idea was batted around for a while before we actually had the space to do it." Halbgewachs said. "There was some concern voiced about what there was for some of the youth in the town, so when we found ourselves with a space, the idea moved ahead."
Now, after a year of operation, Shock Wave continues to see good numbers during its open hours on Friday and Saturday nights.
"We really only had one goal and that was to reach out to as many youth in the community as possible," Redstone said. "We've had over 50 kids a night on the good nights and seldom fewer than 10. I think we've done well."
With the first anniversary of Shock Wave coming in late October, some events to celebrate the first anniversary of the venue are planned.
"On Friday, Oct. 29, we'll be having a hotdog sale and barbeque at lunch time again," Redstone said. "We will run that for a couple hours, along with some video of some things we've been doing. Anyone who comes out can see it in picture form, played on a loop."
"Saturday night, [Oct. 30] 'Cities Under Fire' [Christian rock band] will be returning," Redstone said. "They will be joined by the band 'The Fall and Assault,' starting at 7:30 and run until they are done."
The musical event is being offered to the public free of charge.
"Those are the events we have planned for right now, the ones we wanted to focus on," Redstone said. "But there might be more added to the agenda as we get closer to the date."
As for Shock Wave itself, Redstone says he is pretty sure there will be a second anniversary to celebrate as well.
"We are just thrilled about the numbers of the kids coming out," Redstone said. "Kids driving out from White Bear, Manor and Wawota. It's unbelievable about how far they come just for a night."
Shock Wave is open to the public every Friday night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and on Saturdays from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m.
