Youth Services
At the YMCA, we are committed to supporting youth to be healthy and engaged in their community. New friends, new skills, counseling and Foundry Wellness Centre – you can find it all and more at the YMCA. Our youth programs are specifically designed to help you achieve your goals, or help you get your life back on track. We believe in providing the support you can count on and connections that get you ahead.
Foundry
Foundry is where wellness takes shape. This one-stop-shop brings health care and social services under one roof to make it easier for young people to find help and support. At Foundry, a team of care and service providers works with each young person to create a plan for wellness and help equip them with the tools, support, and strategies they need to thrive in life. Foundry centres provide a single door, offering access to someone to talk to, care providers for any health need, and friendly experts to help navigate health and social services, resources, and programs. All centres deliver free, respectful, non-judgmental, and strength-based services in a youth-friendly space.
YAP – Youth Around Prince
We are committed to proving youth the support they need to thrive, which is why we work with Youth Around Prince (YAP) – a downtown resource centre for all youth in Prince George. At YAP Drop-In, we help youth find shelter and work on their resumes so that they can find employment, host workshops to teach different life skills, provide snacks and cooking classes, as well as access to showers and laundry facilities.
Youth Works Employment Program
We are committed to helping youth find meaningful work in our community. Our Youth Works Employment Program offers qualifying youth, ages 17-29, job skills training and long-term planning to find a rewarding career. From identifying opportunities to helping write effective resumes and prepare for interviews, we will provide practical guidance and support to help you build the skill set to get the right job for you.
Foundry Works & Education Program
Foundry Work & Education is a supported employment and education program for youth who are interested in working, going to school, or completing a training program. Foundry Works helps youth to build the skills and experiences they need to achieve their goals.
Y Mindfulness Programs
YMCA Mindfulness Groups offer three different 6-8 week programs for young people ages 13-30 years. Learn fun and healthy ways to manage stress and connect with other young people in a safe and friendly environment.
Everyone experiences worries and anxiety. The key is to learn how to make sure these don’t get in the way of doing things you care about!
YMCA Community Action Network
The YMCA Community Action Network (YCAN), part of the Canada Service Corps, is one of Canada’s national youth service initiatives. Our program aims to support selected individuals between 15 to 30 years of age to get involved in their local community through service projects. Make a difference in your community! For more information or to register, contact Mary Paz at marypaz.michel@bc.ymca.ca.
YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada
The Youth Exchanges Canada (YEC) program is designed for groups of 10 to 30 participants between the age of 12 and 17. Participants are paired with same-age groups from another province or territory, and they travel to each other’s communities, staying for at least 5 days.
Applications are open to adult group leaders applying on behalf of their group.
Youth Housing Support & Outreach Program
Our Youth Housing Support and Outreach Worker provides friendly practical and emotional support, coaching, and advocacy.
Everyone’s situation is unique. We work with youth to find housing and to stay housed through services such as housing support, life skills coaching, advocacy, and financial support.
For more information or to register, contact Jenna at jenna.king@bc.ymca.ca.
