Lanark County Asset Builders for Youth Celebrated

Press Release – Lanark County

Eight “Asset Builders” were recognized at the Lanark County Council meeting on June 25 for the work they do to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth.

This year marked the first time the Lanark County Child and Youth Services Collaborative (LCCYSC) recognized and celebrated community asset builders. Inspired by the well-established model from the Every Kid in Our Communities Coalition of Leeds and Grenville, the collaborative honoured individuals, organizations and businesses across Lanark County who contribute positively to the well-being of young people in our communities.

Eight recipients were selected through a public nomination process.

“These asset builders help to shape our community by showing interest, investing time, inspiring and providing support to children and youth,” explained Tawnya Boileau, representative of LCCYSC. “They give them a voice, introduce them to new ideas and experiences, and advocate for them.” 

The 2025 Asset Builders for Lanark County include:

• Almonte Civitan
• Gary Lackey
• Heidi Sinnett
• Jody Dixon
• Lanark County Community Justice
• Maybe Silvan
• Port Elmsley Karate Jutsu
• Tracy Staples

The Search Institute’s Developmental Relationships Framework identifies assets as positive experiences, skills, opportunities, qualities and values children need to succeed. This can include external assets, such as support, empowerment, boundaries/expectations and constructive use of time, as well as internal ones, such as commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies and positive identity.

“The more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviours and the more likely they are to thrive,” she said. “Assets are best provided through relationships with caring, responsible people – both adults and young people themselves.”

LCCYSC encourages residents to take part in the “Start with Hello” initiative to keep the spirit of asset building alive. The idea is simple but impactful: greet a young person and, when possible, build a caring, supportive relationship. These everyday connections can create communities where children and youth feel a strong sense of belonging, are supported by caring adults and know they are valued.

“Today we honour the asset builders who have dedicated their time, resources and energy to making a difference in the lives of children and youth,” Boileau said. “Your work does not go unnoticed.”

Learn more about the Search Institute’s Developmental Relationships Framework at https://searchinstitute.org/developmental-relationships. For more information about EKIOC, and how you can get involved, visit www.everykid.on.ca.