In January of 1983, a group of concerned community members felt there was a need for a program such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Stettler. Under the guidance of Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), a needs assessment was completed. The steering committee proceeded to research the

community to determine numbers of children who may use the program. They also educated the community to create awareness of the need and of the potential benefits of a Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. In June of 1984, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Stettler and District became an incorporated society.

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As in many Big Brother and Big Sister agencies nationwide, the Stettler program encountered an ever-increasing number of children waiting to be matched with an adult volunteer. The Board was concerned about the growing number of unmatched children and explored ways of meeting the needs of the children on the waiting list. After an extensive needs assessment, the Board decided that the philosophy and program objectives of the Boys and Girls Club would best meet the needs of the children on the waiting list as well as other children in the community. In May 1988, a Boys and Girls Club Director was hired and programming began.

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​In 1993, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program and the Boys and Girls Club decided to combine their efforts and form an umbrella organization which is called the Heartland Youth Center. The Heartland Youth Center operates with one Board of Directors; however, affiliations with the two national organizations still exist and maintain their distinctive identities.