YMCA Quebec - News and events

Wine and cheese against international child labour – June 12

This June 12th, World Day Against Child Labour, the YMCAs of Quebec invite you to an awareness-raising workshop on child trafficking in the world, from 5:00 to 7:00 with wine and cheese. The workshop, a presentation with videos and hosted discussions, will relate the definitions of trafficking, its main forms regarding children (sexual exploitation, child domestic and agricultural labour, child soldiers), recruitment strategies, consequences and possible actions.

Moderator: Alice Tran

RSVP with Dimitrina Raby at 514-849-5331 extension 1264 or dimitrina.raby@ymcaquebec.org

Location: Downtown YMCA, 6th floor, room 632

This activity is possible thanks to support from the government of Canada.

For the complete schedule of June 12th activities coordinated by AQOCI: www.travaildesenfants.ca

Visit Camp YMCA Kanawana and discover all the activities available!

In order to truly understand the positive impact a summer camp experience can have, bring your child and try it for a day!

Discover the camp’s magnificent site and facilities: tents and cabins, the arts & crafts and nature room, the cafeteria, etc. Try out our climbing wall and ropes course, or go canoeing and swim in our wonderful lake. But most of all, come meet our incredible team of counsellors!

When: Saturday, June 16, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: YMCA Camp Kanawana

673 Saint-Elmire Street,

Saint-Sauveur-des-Monts, J0R 1R1

Lunch will be served from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Dads eat free. You can also bring a picnic lunch!

We look forward to meeting you!

The Camp YMCA Kanawana team

News release

Montréal, May 6, 2013—The YMCAs of Québec has reacted very positively to the launch of the Stratégie jeunesse montréalaise 2013-2017 by the Ville de Montréal on Monday, May 6, at city hall. The organization is very pleased to be part of this initiative and would like to congratulate the Ville de Montréal for its involvement with youth.

The YMCAs of Québec is fully committed to this strategy: we welcome more than 35,000 children and youths up to the age of 17 at our facilities. We provide a continuum of cohesive, integrated services—from our homework help programs to our health, sports and recreation programs, our day camps, our residential summer camp, leadership programs, Youth Services Co-ops, and Youth Zones. More than half of these programs are available free of charge or at low cost in order to reach those in greatest need. The YMCA has an impact on young people’s lives, on their personal development, health and physical activity, integration, and social engagement. It also serves as a social safety net for young people in difficulty, providing them an alternative to the street, school, and home, and contact with adult role models.

Stéphane Vaillancourt, President and CEO of The YMCAs of Québec, said he was “very happy to share the extensive experience of The YMCAs of Québec with youth on such a broad scale. The success of new generations is vital to any society that wants to safeguard its future. Partnering with the Ville de Montréal on large-scale collaborative projects (construction of a new community centre in Bordeaux-Cartierville, joint management of the municipal pool, etc.) and, more specifically, support for the expansion of the YMCA Alternative Suspension program attests to the recognition of the impact of our services and The YMCAs of Québec as a partner of choice when it comes to the well-being and success of youth, one of our priorities.”

The YMCA Alternative Suspension program is supported directly by the Ville de Montréal. YMCA Alternative Suspension strives to be a strategy for change in encouraging students to stay in school. The program, which was created in 1999, now operates 10 service sites on the island of Montréal, 14 others across the province, and 16 across Canada. This program, which was launched in Montréal, today enjoys widespread recognition in educational settings and in the community. Support from the Ville de Montréal has enabled us to broaden the scope of the program and to reach more schools and youths in Montréal.

About The YMCAs of Québec

The first YMCA in North America was founded in Montréal in November 1851. The YMCAs of Québec is a charitable organization that helps improve the well-being of children, youth, adults, and seniors. Its ten YMCA centres, International Language School, Ski School, Residence, YMCA Camp Kanawana, and its 42 service sites across the province are visited each year by more than 130,000 people. The YMCAs of Québec is part of the Canadian network of 51 YMCA associations. For more information, visit our website www.ymcaquebec.org/, or our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Source: The YMCAs of Québec
Information:
Charles Durivage
Morin Public Relations
514 289-8688, ext. 227 / charlesd@morinrp.com

News release

Montréal, May 3, 2013 – For a 10th consecutive year, The YMCAs of Québec’s Hochelaga-Maisonneuve YMCA is organizing the Spring Challenge, which will be held on Saturday, May 4. Year after year, this unique running event draws an ever-increasing number of participants to Maisonneuve Park. Over 1,000 runners are expected to come out and support a good cause while staying in shape!

Whether you are running by yourself, with friends, or with family, the Spring Challenge is a great opportunity to take advantage of the wonderful race course through Montreal’s Maisonneuve Park. There will be something for everyone! The Spring Challenge offers four circuits adapted to all types of runners: 1 km for children aged 11 and under, and three other circuits of 1, 5, and 10 km. It is worth noting that the Fédération d’athlétisme du Québec recognizes the Spring Challenge as an official race. The event is also part of the Sports Experts/Intersport and Timex provincial circuits.

“Proceeds generated from the Spring Challenge will help support the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve YMCA’s community initiatives, particularly those involving youth since their well-being and success is a priority for The YMCAs of Québec,” notes Marie-France Hébert, Director of the centre. “Specifically, it allows us to fund leadership development activities, educational and fitness activities, and helps support the integration of youth with physical or intellectual disabilities into our centre’s day camp.”

Partners of this event include the city of Montréal, Investors Group, Stadium clinic, Sports Experts/Intersport, Lassonde Industries Inc., Timex, and Courrir.org.
To register or for more information, please visit defi-printemps.org/.

About The YMCAs of Québec
The first YMCA in North America was founded in Montréal in November 1851. The YMCAs of Québec is a charitable organization that helps improve the well-being of children, youth, adults, and seniors. Its ten YMCA centres, International Language School, Ski School, Residence, YMCA Camp Kanawana, and its 42 service sites across the province are visited each year by more than 130,000 people. The YMCAs of Québec is part of the Canadian network of 51 YMCA associations. For more information, visit our website www.ymcaquebec.org/, or our Facebook and Twitter pages.

National Volunteer Week

Now in its 71st year, National Volunteer Week is all about volunteer recognition. This year’s celebration takes place the week of April 21 to 27, 2013.

Canada’s volunteers make a tremendous contribution in communities across the country and around the globe. They make our communities resilient and our country vibrant.

Today, volunteers are involved in more ways than ever. Volunteers complete tasks from smartphones while waiting at the bus stop. They sign and share petitions. They govern organizations as board members. They lead rescue efforts when disasters strike. Every day, Canadians lend a hand to their neighbours and friends. And many of them don’t realize that in doing so they’re volunteering.

National Volunteer Week pays tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who graciously donate their time and talents to our communities.

News release - A partnership to promote school perseverance

Montréal, April 11, 2013 — The YMCAs of Québec, in collaboration with the English Montreal School Board, the Don Bosco Youth Leadership Centre and Montreal Hooked on School, today inaugurated the new YMCA Alternative Suspension service site, located at 11991 Pierre-Baillargeon Street in Rivière-des-Prairies. YMCA Alternative Suspension is an initiative that allows youth who have been temporarily suspended from school to turn their suspension into a positive experience that promotes personal development and autonomy. The program will serve the following high schools: Lester B. Pearson, Laurier MacDonald, John Paul I, Rosemount and Perspectives I. Attending the event were Robert Stocker and Angela Mancini, respectively director general and chairman of the English Montreal School Board, and Andrée Mayer-Périard, director general of Hooked on School.

The service site is the result of a unique collaboration between The YMCAs of Québec and its partners. “An important piece of the puzzle in responding to the issue of school success lies in effective cooperation between various partners. Our best practices have already been successful in more than 40 communities in Québec and across Canada where YMCA Alternative Suspension has been implemented. This new site is another excellent example of how the local mobilization of several partners allows for the creation of projects that support our youth,” said George Kalimeris, national director of the Alternative Suspension and school retention programs of The YMCAs of Québec.

Located in Rivière-des-Prairies but serving high schools in Montreal North, Rosemont and St-Leonard, this new community resource meets the pressing needs of the neighbouring community, which has been critically impacted by the number of students dropping out of school. “We applaud this initiative,” said Ms. Mancini. “Over the years, we have taken part in a number of alternative suspension programs. We believe in the process. It is far better for a student facing a suspension to do so by contributing something positive to society rather than just staying home. Our schools are on board with this. While we wish, of course, that there were no need to assess suspensions, if they do occur, this type of activity really benefits all parties concerned.”

A program from Québec that continues to grow
School success is without a doubt becoming one of the main concerns of families in Québec, particularly since nearly 30% of Québec youth under the age of 20 leave school without a diploma. YMCA Alternative Suspension hopes to be an instrument of change and to promote school success. Created in 1999, the program currently operates 10 service sites on the island of Montreal, 14 more across the province, an additional 16 across the country, and works with more than 300 schools in total. YMCA Alternative Suspension has been making strides all over Canada, and has even opened a service site in a suburb of Paris, France. The resulting positive impact has people talking.

Stéphane Vaillancourt, president and CEO of The YMCAs of Québec, says he is “very pleased to be sharing our vast experience with youth. The success of upcoming generations is of the utmost importance for any society wanting to secure its future. The expansion of YMCA Alternative Suspension highlights the impact of our services and of The YMCAs of Québec as a partner of choice for the well-being and success of youth, both of which are a priority for us.”

In operation since September, the program site is already quite active in the neighbourhood and has welcomed more than 20 young people. Andrée Mayer-Périard, director general of Montreal Hooked on School, said she is “proud to see the collaboration between educational and community-based stakeholders in support of school perseverance. “This new service for the schools in Montreal North points to the engagement of partners in the battle against dropping out of school. I’m confident that by putting our efforts together, we will get there,” she added.

It is also worth noting that financial support is provided by the English Montreal School Board and Montreal Hooked on School, as well as by the Ville de Montréal and the Ministère de l'emploi et de la solidarité sociale, as part of the city contract for Lutte à la pauvreté et à l'exclusion sociale and, of course, Centraide.

ABOUT THE YMCAS OF QUÉBEC
The first YMCA in North America was founded in Montreal in November 1851. The mission of this charitable organization is to promote the development of people in spirit, mind, and body, and to the empowerment of individuals, families, and communities. Its ten Y centres are visited each year by more than 100,000 people who benefit from its Health, Fitness and Recreation, and Education and Training programs, as well as its Children and Youth programs, its Community and International Initiatives, and its Donations and Volunteering opportunities. The YMCAs of Québec is part of the Canadian network of 51 YMCA associations. For more information, visit: http://ymcaquebec.org/en/, our Facebook page facebook.com/ymcaquebec or Twitter twitter.com/YMCAQuebec.

SOURCE: THE YMCAs OF QUÉBEC

Information:
Charles Durivage
Morin Relations Publiques
514-289-8688, ext. 227
charlesd@morinrp.com

the YMCAs of Québec receives financial assistance from Sylvain Lévesque

Québec, April 10, 2013 – The YMCAs of Québec is very pleased to announce that it has received financial assistance from Sylvain Lévesque, MP for Vanier-Les Rivières, to support the activities offered at the Les Saules YMCA Community Office.

“At a time when the Les Saules YMCA Community Office is experiencing financial difficulties that threaten its sustainability, we truly appreciate the financial assistance offered by Mr. Lévesque as well as all the efforts made to support this project. Members of the community need to mobilize and have greater awareness to ensure services are maintained for the people of the Du Buisson sector, an area which is disadvantaged and difficult to access, with few community services”, states Marie-Eve Masson, Director of Community Initiatives for the region of Québec.

A desperate need
The Du Buisson sector of the Duberger-Les Saules neighbourhood is home to 40% of the Les Saules population, which stood at 5,000 people as of 2006. This sector is well-known for being disadvantaged socially and in terms of infrastructure. However, the serious lack of community infrastructure limits the community assistance the population of Les Saules receives. As such, The YMCAs of Québec, in collaboration with other key players from the community, have agreed to share a commercial space. However, the rent is high and without financial assistance the activities could be in serious jeopardy.

“I think it is extremely important to help community organizations, particularly in this sector which is poorly served due to the cost and limited availability of spaces. The people living in this area, which unfortunately is generally disadvantaged, should not be placed at a disadvantage at any time. I am very pleased to support The YMCAs of Québec which has been working very hard to keep their services in this sector”, notes Sylvain Lévesque, MP for Vanier-Les Rivières.

Les Saules YMCA Community Office
In 2012, over 300 people of all ages used the space. Of this number, 74 teens benefitted from the YMCA Alternative Suspension program, and 12 teens participated in the Youth Services Co-op held over the summer. Currently, an average of 15 youths are using the space every month for personal and academic support until the end of the school year. In addition, an average of 35 adults use the space monthly to benefit from various programs and services (support groups, purchasing groups, community gardening, etc.).

The Les Saules YMCA Community Office receives assistance from various financial partners including The YMCAs of Québec, Québec City, Caisse Desjardins des Rivières, and of course, Sylvain Lévesque.

About The YMCAs of Québec
The first YMCA in North America was founded in Montreal in November 1851. The YMCAs of
Québec is a charitable organization that helps improve the well-being of children, youth, adults, and seniors. Its ten YMCA centres, International Language School, Ski School, Residence, YMCA Camp Kanawana, and its 35 points of service across the province are visited each year by more than 120,000 people. The YMCAs of Québec is part of the Canadian network of 51 YMCA associations. For more information, visit our website www.ymcaquebec.org/, or our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Sources:

Étienne Larivière
Attaché politique
Député de Vanier-Les Rivières
418-644-3107
Elariviere@assnat.qc.ca

Charmian Harvey
Director, Brand Strategy and External Relations
The YMCAs of Québec | Association Services

1435 Drummond Street, 4th floor Montréal, QC H4E 4H1

Tel.: 514 849-5331 ext. 1294

Media invitation

Montréal, April 10, 2013 – Members of the media are invited to the inauguration of the new YMCA Alternative Suspension service site in Rivière-des-Prairies on April 11. This service site is the result of a unique collaboration between The YMCAs of Québec, the English Montreal School Board, the Don Bosco Youth Leadership Centre, and Montreal Hooked on School.

The event will be attended by Robert Stocker and Angela Mancini, respectively Director General and Chairman of the English Montreal School Board, as well as Andrée Mayer-Périard, Director General of Hooked on School.

This new resource, situated in Rivière-des-Prairies, will benefit English high schools situated in Montréal-North, St. Leonard, and Rosemont. YMCA Alternative Suspension allows youth who have been temporarily suspended from school to turn their suspension into a positive experience that promotes personal development and autonomy.

DATE:

Thursday, April 11, 2013

TIME:

- 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Official Inauguration

- 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Open House

WHERE:

Don Bosco Youth Leadership Centre, 11991 Pierre-Baillargeon Street

WHAT:
- Inauguration of a new YMCA Alternative Suspension service site
- Interview opportunities

Source: The YMCAs of Québec

Information
Charles Durivage
Morin Public Relations
514 289-8688, ext. 227
charlesd@morinrp.com

Thinking about sending your child to camp this summer?

Come and find out more about the positive impact of attending summer camp, a typical day at camp, our different programs, our safety rules, how best to prepare your child for camp, etc. We look forward to chatting with you and answering your questions.

When: Monday, April 22, 2013, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown YMCA, 1440 Stanley Street, Montréal (Peel metro), room 632, 6th floor

Registration: 514 849-5331, ext. 1524
(Refreshments will be served)

We look forward to meeting you!
The YMCA Camp Kanawana team

Call for nominations to the board of directors

Under Article 5 of the General Bylaws of the Corporation, the voting members will be called upon to renew the mandate of one half of the members of the Board of Directors of The YMCAs of Québec, or eight members, at the Annual General Meeting of 2013.

The nominating committee must, therefore, make recommendations for the renewal of the mandate of the members who run again and fill any vacant positions, as needed. In performing our search, we give priority to applications from our partner members, participant members, volunteers and our partners, not to mention outside applications from candidates showing a keen interest in our Association.

Candidates must be able to assist the Association in reaching its objectives and fulfilling its mission, show that they have an in-depth understanding of and clear commitment to philanthropy, possess excellent communication and committee work skills and, be willing to commit if possible for at least a number years.

A completed candidate presentation form, supported by at least two partner members, along with a resume must be forwarded to Jocelyne Hynes, Association Secretary, at 1435 Drummond St., 4th Floor, Montréal, Québec H3G 1W4, or jocelyne.hynes@ymcaquebec.org no later than Friday, March 29, 2013.

Once all applications have been received, the committee will examine the profiles and meet with some of the candidates, taking into consideration their potential contribution in their respective areas of competency as these relate to the Association’s priorities for the coming years. The committee will then make its recommendations by tabling a list of candidates at the Annual General Meeting of the partner members on Saturday, June 1st, 2013.

We are hoping for everyone’s collaboration in helping us find the best people possible to hold these very important responsibilities within our Organization.

International women's day

Because the well-being of women is extremely important to us, we are opening our doors to them free of charge as part of International Women’s Day.

On March 8, 2013, The YMCAs of Québec is once again inviting all women to an Open House taking place in each of its centres. It’s the perfect opportunity to check out our facilities or try out a class you’ve long been thinking about!

There are plenty of good reasons to come celebrate this day with us and benefit from all the activities being offered.

To participate and take full advantage of this offer, simply bring your photo ID and a padlock to your nearest YMCA and you’ll be good to go!

The YMCAs of Québec would like to wish women everywhere a wonderful day!

The YMCAs of Québec launches its 2013 YMCA Strong Kids Campaign

Today marks the official launch of The YMCAs of Québec’s 2013 annual community support campaign. The goal of the campaign is to raise funds throughout the year in order to help improve the well-being of children, teens, adults, and families, regardless of their financial situation. Almost one in two participants coming to the Y participate for free in our community programs or benefit from financial assistance provided by the YMCA in order to participate in our programs.

“The YMCAs of Québec is committed to offering quality programming and activities that meet their needs, allow them to reach their full potential by developing their mind, body, and spirit, and provide them with the opportunity to give back to the community, states Stéphane Vaillancourt, President and CEO of The YMCAs of Québec. Last year, the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign raised more than $500,000. Our goal for 2013 is to again raise half a million in order to do even more for the communities we serve.”

A donation that yields results: real stories, real people

YMCA programs are known to have a lasting impact on the well-being of participants, particularly children and youth from low-income families, as evidenced by the many stories shared at ymcastrongkids.ca.

Ten years ago, Sikumbuzo, a camper with muscular dystrophy, took part in our program for children with special needs. Participating in an integration program allowed him to push himself further than ever before. In fact, after a few years, he no longer needed equipment to help him walk. As a result, he participated in the Leader-in-Training program and became a volunteer LIT in the after-camp program. Last summer, Sikumbuzo officially became the first youth with special needs to join the Westmount YMCA team as an employee. Children and their parents adore him!

The difference your donation can make...
Thanks to your generous donations, you provide the opportunity to:
- a child to develop his/her autonomy, social skills and leadership at a residential summer camp;
- a youth to gain self-esteem and succeed in school thanks to afterschool homework programs;
- a youth at-risk to stay off the streets by benefiting from the positive and safe environment of our Youth Zone;
- a vulnerable youth, alone and with no means, to be welcomed and supported by street workers;
- a disadvantaged family to benefit from childcare services and enable them to go to work;
- a homeless person to be accompanied throughout the year;
- a senior aged 60 and up to break his/her isolation;
- …

Your gift will change a life!

There are children, youth, adults, and families in our community who need your support. Don’t wait… Give generously today! Give in person at your nearest Y centre, by telephone at 514 849-5331, ext. 1233, or online by clicking here.

The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign is a community-driven fundraising campaign. Donors choose the community they want to support and the money goes directly to the local YMCA.

Opinion Letter

By:
George Kalimeris, National Director, YMCA Alternative Suspension and School perseverance Programs, The YMCAs of Québec
Étienne Pagé, Director, Province of Québec, YMCA Alternative Suspension, The YMCAs of Québec

When students need to be suspended from school for violent or disruptive behavior, for drug use or any other reason, chances are they will be left home alone or worse even on the streets without supervision or support. It is for this reason that The YMCAs of Québec, in partnership with several school boards in Montréal, created YMCA Alternative Suspension, a program that works in collaboration with the school, the family, and the YMCA youth workers. The program allows youth who have been suspended to transform their suspensions into a positive experience that encourages personal development, which in turn helps them stay in school.

Thanks to its success, the program has been implemented in numerous regions across Québec, in collaboration with high schools and dozens of partners offering the program. With Montreal Hooked on School Days currently underway, we should ask ourselves what we can do to help troubled youth stay in school, continue their studies, and find their way. A suspension from school can be an opportunity; we can take advantage of these moments of crisis to show youth that there are other alternatives and options that they may not have considered without this intervention in their academic journey. As such, the crisis becomes an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover. This break from school allows them to reflect on their behaviors, examine their attitude toward school and identify what empowers and motivates them.

Two students who were recently referred to the program provide striking examples of the impact this sort of initiative can have. Tommy, age 18, and Jasmine, age 16, were each at high risk of dropping out. Suspended from school for several serious reasons, Tommy learned about the École des métiers de la construction de Montréal during his stay at YMCA Alternative Suspension. Several months later, he is now studying to become a plasterer’s apprentice and says he never thought he could “love school so much.” As for Jasmine, her attitude toward school has changed. She has learned how to smile again, and her school grades now serve as a
source of motivation: “I now realize that I can be successful.”

Stories like Tommy’s and Jasmine’s not only validate the efforts of youth program workers, they also illustrate how crucial it is to develop significant partnerships between the community and schools. Aside from the support services already available to them, youth who are having difficulty at school often need just a little more help. And sometimes, a little suspension can go a long way.

*The names of the students have been changed to ensure confidentiality.

Press release

The challenge to provide wide public access to the Fraser-Hickson library’s 100,000+ items at a sustainable cost has begun! Beyond continuing to deliver books to the homes of mobility-restricted subscribers since its closure 5 years ago, the library is expanding the popular concept of bringing books to the reader. Come join us in celebrating the launch of Fraser-Hickson’s partnership with the Notre- Dame-de-Grâce YMCA on Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 12-2 p.m. at the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce YMCA on Hampton.

The Fraser-Hickson will equip “micro” library units, each appropriate to the age group and program offered through the YMCA, with a tailored collection that is changed periodically from its warehouse. As the project develops, members of the YMCA will also be able to borrow books using the Library’s online catalogue, in hard copy and digital formats, which will be delivered within a few days or downloaded onto an e-reader. The project holds much promise for an increased level of literacy for all ages.*

‘We enthusiastically welcome this collaborative partnership that combines the strengths of two longestablished organizations to provide significant benefits to all ages under one roof for the first time’.

John Dinsmore – President and Chairman of the Board Fraser-Hickson Institute

‘This initiative is an essential component of the YMCA’s overall Mission to contribute to the

development of spirit, mind, and body, and to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

What better way to achieve this goal than through the strengthening of the mind through the written word!’ Ross Chechile- Executive Director NDG YMCA.

* The adult literacy indicator measures the proportion of the Canadian population 16 years of age and older that is able to understand and use printed information, such as news stories or instruction manuals. In other words, this indicator measures their level of prose literacy. Adult literacy is measured on a scale from one to five. Level 1 is the lowest level and Level 4/5 is the most advanced level. A person should have at least Level 3 literacy to function well in Canadian society.

More than half of the populations of Newfoundland and Labrador (55%), New Brunswick (56%), Quebec (55%), and Nunavut (73%) had literacy scores below Level 3.

*Source: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Statistics Canada. Building on our Competencies: Canadian Results of the International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey 2003. Ottawa, Statistics Canada, 2005 (Cat. No. 89-617-XIE, see Table 1.2).

About the Fraser-Hickson library

The Fraser-Hickson is a privately funded institution that has provided free library services to all Montrealers since 1885. Today the Library has 100,000 items for adults, teens and children to consult or borrow, including books (in English, French and 14 other languages); audiocassettes, DVDs, and CDs; a Special Delivery outreach service to the homebound; story time programs for children; and multifaceted electronic resources through its website www.fraserhickson.ca.

About The YMCAs of Québec

The first YMCA in North America was founded in Montreal in November 1851. The YMCAs of Québec is a charitable organization that helps improve the well-being of children, youth, adults, and seniors. Its ten YMCA centres, International Language School, Ski School, Residence, YMCA Camp Kanawana, and its 35 points of service across the province are visited each year by more than 120,000 people. The YMCAs of Québec is part of the Canadian network of 51 YMCA associations. For more information, visit our website www.ymcaquebec.org/, our Facebook facebook.com/ymcaquebec or Twitter page twitter.com/YMCAQuebec.

Les YMCA du Québec | Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
4335, avenue Hampton Montréal, Qc H4A 2L3
T : 514-486-3273, ext. 3119 E : lindsey.whitelaw@ymcaquebec.org

The YMCAs of Québec to take part in Hooked on School Days...

Hooked on School Days will be held across Québec from February 11 to 15. The YMCAs of Québec wishes to mark this important week by highlighting the importance of turning student suspensions into a motivating and rewarding experience.

With 20 points of service scattered throughout Québec, the YMCA Alternative Suspension program is effective in decreasing the risk factors associated with dropping out of school across the province. As a result of the program’s success, YMCA Alternative Suspension has been implemented across the country and has even been emulated in France.

Held off site, the program provides youth with a break from the school environment and has a major impact on their behaviour. School professionals and parents note a short-term change in attitude and behaviour for 85% of the youths referred to the program, and medium-term changes in at least half of them.

To mark HSD, 30 to 35 youths from the CSDM, CSMB, and CSPI—all participants of the YMCA Alternative Suspension program—will visit the École des métiers de la construction de Montréal along with Mario Rochon, Assistant Director, who will discuss the importance of taking responsibility for their own future. The visit will be followed by an art workshop at the Downtown YMCA where the youth will share their vision on school perseverance. In addition, on the afternoon of February 15, the YMCA Alternative Suspension point of service in Pointe-aux-Trembles will welcome a young person from Réseau Réussite Montréal’s HSD team. S/he will share with participants his/her own difficult journey and experiences that will highlight the importance of staying in school.

Playing a leading role in the well-being and success of youth, The YMCAs of Québec has also initiated several school-related initiatives; one of its main objectives is to ensure that the formative years of today’s youth are a rewarding time that will foster future success. Over the years, the organization has implemented an array of initiatives that have allowed youth to develop their full potential through various programs (camps, Youth Zones, Homework Help, literacy programs, exchanges, leadership programs, fitness activities, etc.).

Reopening of the Du Parc YMCA

We are pleased to inform you that the Du Parc YMCA will reopen its doors on Monday, January 28, at 6:00 a.m., and will be able to safely resume its normal operations.

We are extremely grateful to the neighbourhood businesses, such as Café Navarino and Miné restaurant, for their generous help to our members, employees, and volunteers during the time our services were interrupted due to a minor fire.

We would like to sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding.

The Du Parc YMCA team