The YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) has been running a range of youth programs in the region for 10 years.

The program, based at Victor Harbor, will cease from the end of next month after federal government funding came to an end.

The YWCA has not been successful in its search for alternative funding.

The realisation towards the end of July this year that the YWCA would have to close came as a shock and a huge disappointment to the staff.

"It's not just a blow for the community it's a blow for us," said the YWCA chief executive Gail Jackson.

Three paid staff will lose their jobs as a result of the closure.

The youth development officer, Lucretia Sperring, said the staff would not be the only ones to suffer from the closure.

"I think that it's a huge loss to the community, a huge loss to us all," she said.

"It’s just a really, really sad time."

Furthermore, everyone involved in YWCA programs such as Chill’N’Chat and the youth leadership program will have to look elsewhere for help by the end of next month.

The YWCA is speaking with other agencies and community groups to take on board some of the programs currently offered but for now things looked grim.

"We're talking to other agencies but for now there's little hope," Ms Jackson said.

Ms Sperring agreed that other groups and agencies have the responsibility to carry on the services provided by the YWCA.

"They've had such a great track record, everyone will need to pitch in," she said.

The YWCA is informing clients and various stakeholders and will continue to hold meetings discussing the fallout of the closure.

After 10 years of serving the Southern Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island region the YWCA still feelsit has achieved a great deal.

Over this time the YWCA has provided information, referral and services to people aged 12-25.

Through the Y-Express Program the YWCA has also provided counselling, life skills programs, camps and therapeutic and recreational activities to the youth in the region.

"We feel like we're a part of the community," Ms Jackson said.

YWCA youth worker Emily Zesers said the YWCA greatly appreciated the decade of support it had received.

"I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support and participation over the years," she said.