Igniting Potential In Youth
Young people are key agents for social change, economic growth, and technological innovation — critical to fostering healthy and thriving communities. Many, however, are being held back by barriers impossible to overcome without support. Mental health challenges, the housing crisis, precarious work, and loneliness and isolation are barriers facing youth both worldwide and in our community.
At the Y, we are committed to supporting youth to reach their potential and become active contributors. Continually responding to the most current, urgent needs faced by youth, our evidence-based programs are designed to help youth 15–24 years old achieve their goals, overcome obstacles — and shine.
Employment programs, leadership development groups, newcomer and refugee youth groups, and health and fitness classes are some examples of our charity’s programs designed specifically for youth.
Program highlights include:
The YMCA Academy is a Ministry of Education inspected alternative school for youth with learning disabilities and learning style differences. Wraparound supports from small class sizes to assistive technologies and social-emotional resources support students as they build social ties, leadership capacities, and healthy habits while working to complete middle and high school.
The YMCA Youth Leadership Development Program helps young people build the skills they need to succeed in school, work, and life. They develop their leadership potential, build a network of new friends and adult allies, and take on leadership roles within their community.
YMCA Newcomer & Refugee Youth Groups support young newcomers on their settlement journey. After fleeing war, violence, and other challenging circumstances, youth can find support and community in these groups as well as opportunities to improve their language skills, build a support network, learn about Canadian culture, and get involved in the community.
YMCA Teen Nights are youth-led and adult supported opportunities for youth to enjoy the Y for free. As they become active, meet positive role models, make new friends, volunteer, and more, youth discover the sense of community and inclusion they otherwise risk finding in gang membership and participation in risky behaviours, like substance use.
Youth Shelter and Housing Programs support youth experiencing homelessness transition to independent living. Young people find a hot meal and safe place to sleep at our emergency shelter; rely on our drop-in centre for help finding a job, accessing mental health supports, or navigating Canada’s immigration system; or join our transitional housing program for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth as they work to achieve housing stability.
The YMCA Black Achievers Mentorship Program is an intentional effort to create equity in education as well as in the workplace by cultivating a welcoming community of support for Black youth as they pursue their highest academic and career goals.
Our Impact
83
students with learning
differences thrived at the
YMCA Academy
500+
youth gained safe shelter,
wraparound supports, and
transitional housing
575
newcomer and refugee youth
gained skills and belonging in
weekly leadership groups
4, 250
youth filled free weekly Y
Teen Nights at youth-led
programs across the GTA
7,350
youth upgraded their employment skills
and received support finding work
44
Black youth were mentored by Black
professionals through Black Achievers
37,600
young people got active, made friends, and
built skills in the pool, gym, or camp
Your Help Is Essential
As you can see, our youth programming is having a broad impact on youth, helping them to see what is possible, reach their potential, and shine. It is timely, relevant, and meets their most urgent needs. Many of these programs would not be possible without philanthropic support from our community at all levels of giving.
Let's Connect
We would welcome the opportunity to speak with you in more detail about these incredible programs and the ways your support can make a truly life-changing difference for youth who need it most.
There are many opportunities to support programs. To learn more and get involved, please contact:
Tony diCosmo, Vice President, Campaign Giving
Tony.diCosmo@YMCAGTA.ORG
416-305-2792