Why the YMCA?
We believe that prevention programs are essential to improving individual health and personal development and creating a healthier community.

The Goal
To implement educational prevention programs designed to raise youth awareness with regards to gambling, healthy/active living and making informed decisions..

The Approach
We do not make value judgments regarding gambling; rather, we see it as an activity that people may or may not engage in. Through harm reduction, we will support young people to make healthy decisions about gambling.

The Benefits
The YMCA is committed to helping youth gain the skills and confidence they need to become healthy, happy and productive adults.

The YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program supports youth to weigh the costs and benefits of gambling by creating and facilitating a discussion of how gambling fits into young people's lives.

The YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program supports youth with the skills necessary to continue to be responsible members of their community.

The YMCA leads communities across the province in building strong kids, strong families, strong communities.Our presentations focus on decision-making, coping strategies and asset development; they support components of the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum.

What do we do in your community?
Awareness Raising Activities
-Interactive sessions for youth ages 8-24
-Interactive sessions for adults involved in youth lives
-Curriculum activities based on Ministry of Education Requirements
-Attendance at community fairs/events

Community Involvement
The planning and implementation of events designed to promote community awareness and involvement and community action

Youth Engagement
-Peer to Peer or Youth Voices activities which are processes for promoting youth expression and community action

PHILOSOPHY
-The YMCA does not make value judgements regarding gambling, rather we see it as an activity that people may or may not choose to engage in
-Using harm reduction we offer youth accurate information to make their own informed choices around gambling and other high risk activities

Download the Curriculum Support Packages
Grades 3-6 l Grades 7-8 l Grades 9-12

ALL SERVICES ARE FREE

Contact Us
For information on the YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program contact:
Krista Gregory, Youth Outreach Worker
(519) 645-7553 ext 2224
kgregory@ymcawo.ca