Retiring Steve Cordes looks back at 40 years of helping London’s youth [Video]

After almost four decades, a London-based organization that helps young people will have new leadership. 

Steve Cordes will be retiring from Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) in August after 35 years as executive director, and a total of 41 years of overall service to the organization. Under his direction, YOU launched a number of different initiatives including the recently-opened Joan’s Place. 

Cordes sat down with London Morning host Andrew Brown to reflect on the impact he’s made.  

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.

AB: Take me back. Do you remember your first day and what it was like?

SC: Vividly. I just graduated from Western, so I was looking for work and the economy wasn’t great. I walked into what felt like a gritty 1970’s TV show. The place was pretty haphazard. It was in a not-for-profit incubator in the Dundas and Colborne area. I remember seeing three young …