LOCAL Y GETS FUNDING FOR YOUTH TO TRANSITION FROM CAS CARE

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — It’s hard enough for adults and families to find homes.

Try being a young person couch surfing.

Now the YMCA of Muskoka and Simcoe is offering CAS kids helping hands.

As part of $4 million in funding from Canada’s Support for Students Learning program (SSLP), the Y has announced a Youth Transitions Program (YTP) will be available locally.

A Youth-in-Transition Worker will help youth aged 16-24 years old transition out of the care of the Children’s Aid Society.

The program will help support youth identify, develop and implement a personal plan based on their goals for personal independence.

Delivered through an outreach model, youth can receive the following supports:

Housing, education, employment, life skills training (financial management, household management, etc.), health and mental health services, access to legal resources, pro-social activities and safety planning.

Referrals to this program by a community partner are accepted, or you can contact us directly by contacting Amanda Tepei, team leader, at 705-818-1135 or by email at amanda.tepei@sm.ymca.ca

And for more information visit https://ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/youth-outreach/youth-in-transition-worker-program/

The goal is to empower students to reach their fullest potential, by building their capacity to engage and succeed in their educational studies and transition to higher levels of education. Through flexible and inclusive workshops and individualized supports, YTP’s youth-centered, strength-based approach addresses critical risk-factors to student success. YTP also aims to strengthen and enhance each student’s social network and foster a sense of belonging through comprehensive mentorship, counselling and mental wellbeing supports and activities.

“We are grateful to receive this funding to support the youth in our community,” says Jill Tettmann, president and CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “The chance to learn life skills from positive mentors, connect with peers and discover what they’re capable of will be life-changing for so many of these youth. The YMCA Youth Transitions Program shows what’s possible when young people are empowered to succeed.”

“At the YMCA, we believe every young person is worthy of the opportunity to reach their full potential.” says Peter Dinsdale, President and CEO, YMCA Canada. “This program recognizes the systemic factors that make it harder for some students to succeed. With this funding, we can provide even more young people with the knowledge, tools and support to help them achieve their goals, and put them on a path to the future they deserve.”

“Young Canadians deserve to reach their full potential. Access to mentorship, counselling, and wellbeing supports are essential to helping youth attain higher levels of education. YMCA’s Youth Transitions Program will provide students with critical assistance to ensure success in their chosen field. Through the Support for Students Learning Program, our Government is committed to supporting organizations that empower youth to pursue fulfilling careers.” remarks Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough.

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