The Lunenburg County YMCA has received a huge boost from the province. The Department of Health and Wellness awarded the group $12,000 to expand their youth leader program. It helps kids ages 12-18 develop leadership qualities, build friendships, volunteer and learn new skills. Youth Coordinator Kim Whitman-Mansfield says it’s great to be able to expand programs to others. She says, “We actually have seven days or nights of free programming for youth, but it is, again, all geographically located within the town of Bridgewater, so this is exciting to take two other opportunities outside the town of Bridgewater.” The program is currently offered at the King Street Youth Centre in Bridgewater. It will expand to New Germany and Chester beginning in January 2015.