The City of Brantford, in collaboration with YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford and Brantford Police Service, has announced the relaunch of the Youth Engagement Series (YES) Program. Designed for youth ages 12 to 18, the YES Program combines physical activity with educational sessions to help young people make informed decisions, build life skills, and establish positive relationships with local police.
Lily Lumsden, Vice President – Employment, Immigrant & Youth Intervention Service of YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford, emphasized the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to youth development. “This initiative offers youth a sense of community, valuable life skills, fun and, most importantly, positive relationships with trusted adults. The impact has been clear: past participants not only turn to these connections in times of need, but also wish to return because they truly enjoy the program,” said Lumsden.
The program, which is free of charge, will run continuously until March 2026. Each six-week cohort will meet once a week for two hours at the Laurier Brantford YMCA. Participants can also earn volunteer hours for attending the sessions, which cover topics such as healthy relationships, online safety, substance use, and the dangers of gangs and gun violence.
Sergeant John Billone of the Brantford Police Service underscored the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and community organizations. “We are committed to building trust and creating meaningful relationships with the youth in our community. The YES program is a perfect example of how collaboration can create a safe and supportive environment for our youth to thrive,” said Billone.
Mayor Kevin Davis highlighted the program’s role in strengthening community connections and empowering young people. “The YES Program is not just about recreation; it’s about empowering youth to make positive choices and create a brighter future for themselves,” said Davis.
Intake is now open for the next cohort, aimed at youth ages 15 to 18, running weekly from January 7 to February 11, 2025. Registration is available by emailing megan.potvin@ymcahbb.ca or calling 226-208-0852. More information about the Youth Engagement Series and other initiatives under the Building Safer Communities project can be found at Brantford.ca/BSC.
The YES Program is funded in part by Public Safety Canada’s Building Safer Communities grant, which focuses on preventing youth ages 6 to 25 from becoming involved in gun and gang violence. The City of Brantford developed the Building Safer Communities: Action Plan 2024-2026 in collaboration with community partners and youth-serving organizations to support prevention and intervention strategies that improve outcomes for local youth.
