Youth Outreach
Newcomer children and youth have different settlement needs than adults.
By providing empowering programs and services we are working together with young people to remove obstacles and to support them as the role models and leaders our communities need.
Youth Outreach programming for young people aged 13-21 that develops leadership skills, independence and a social network that are essential to sense of belonging.
Y Boys & Y Girls
Y Boys & Y Girls Group – Gender specific programs are offered to youth, giving them the opportunity to explore their interests and issues together. Many social and recreation programs including sports, health and topics of interest have been offered for the Y Boys and Y Girls Group. Gender experiences are varied, and this group is just one way to explore them!
Social and Recreation
Social and Recreation activities give you the opportunity to connect with each other and build friendships, try new things, learn about the community and different cultures, keep active, and visit local events. Some examples include cultural celebrations, group sports, trips, and outdoor activities.
Homework Club
Youth Outreach runs Homework Club twice a week for junior high and high school students. This program has been going on for 25+ years and has partnered with the Halifax Public Library since 2017. The program is currently offered for in-person studying at Keshen Goodman and virtually with YMCA staff and volunteers.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to get involved and give back to the community. Youth Outreach partners with many organizations including, the Food Bank, Bluenose Marathon, and Common Roots Urban Farm, and larger events and festivals in the city.
“It’s very important for youth to be involved since it shows that we are not just kids hanging around. We can do something.” – youth
“My favourite activity is volunteering because we are helping our community” – youth
Leadership
In the leadership program youth take roles of responsibility and gain skills like public speaking, conflict resolution, mentoring, confidence-building and teamwork to help with communication.
Leadership programs in the past have included the Stronger Together Project with YMCA Immigrant Services, ISANS, African Diaspora Association of the Maritimes, and Immigration Francophone, designing and leading an anti-racism educational event.
Below is a leadership project where YMCA Youth partnered with the Teachers Union to develop a resource on newcomer student experiences called What I Wish My Teacher Knew.
Trips & Special Events
Trips provide opportunities to explore Halifax/Dartmouth as well as Nova Scotia as a whole. YMCA Youth have enjoyed the opportunity to go on beach trips, skiing, to local wildlife parks, and to cultural landmarks like Peggy’s Cove. Each year there are new opportunities to participate in special events. This may be a youth conference, festival, annual YMCA Iftar Dinner or attending A Conversation with Barack Obama.
Amy Belanger
Youth Outreach Coordinator
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth I Centre for Immigrant Programs
104-7071 Bayer’s Road
Halifax, NS B3L 2C2
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number (902) 457-6878 M: (902) 412-6340
