NEWS RELEASE
YMCA OF SIMCOE/MUSKOKA
*************************
In 2020, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka received a $75,000 seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to research why rural youth sometimes struggle to develop successful pathways after high school, with or without a diploma.
The goal was to understand where rural youth get information about life prospects and potential work, who influences their decision-making about their future, and specific barriers and limitations rural youth face in developing a pathway as they move through school.
The project was completed in October 2021 and has provided the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka with youth-informed insights to develop programs, resources, and opportunities to better engage young people in developing successful pathways after high school.
"The YMCA Simcoe/Muskoka has been a valued part of communities for over 150 years, and with the support of the OTF, the YMCA can continue to develop solutions for youth who face challenges and barriers. The employment study conducted through this funding will help many youths achieve financial independence through skills and knowledge gained through YMCA programs, and its leadership," said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North.
Engaging youth, parents, and guardians from rural communities during a global pandemic was a challenge. However, local youth guided researchers on how best to reach participants when traditional methods were not possible.
Information was gathered through surveys, focus groups, and online connections, and youth were able to feel heard in a time when their voices were not necessarily the loudest. One participant stated, “I really enjoyed working on the program because it made me feel like I was helping with something that impacted people outside of my community. It was a great way to get involved with a cause that I, as a youth, can relate to.”
Support from OTF allowed the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka to reach and engage youth, parents and guardians in this project. The organization will use the insights collected from these participants to create accessible and user-friendly programs, resources, and opportunities that will guide rural youth as they develop future pathways.
“Ensuring rural youth have access to the same opportunities as their urban counterparts is vital to ensuring the future development of our society,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte.
“This research is critical to understanding why rural youth are disproportionately affected and creating pathways to future employment opportunities," said Downey.
“Around half the youth that walk through our doors looking for assistance in finding a job have no established direction, no picture of where they might fit into the job market, or post-secondary education,” said Karen Ferguson, Manager of Employment & Learning Services.
“At our Midland location alone, that accounted for almost 200 youth every year prior to the pandemic. Paired with the fact that the job market and the skills required to work are rapidly changing, this can create a huge barrier for youth," said Ferguson.
"This project gave the YMCA the opportunity to check in with youth, and some parents, to better understand how we might support them in their decision-making, as youth in rural and isolated communities look to create a path for themselves following high school.”
About the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka:
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a charity dedicated to building healthy communities. We are committed to nurturing the potential of children, youth and families, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility within the community. We serve 1 in 5 people throughout Simcoe County and the District of Parry Sound and Muskoka. In keeping with our commitment to inclusiveness and accessibility, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offers financial assistance to those unable to afford program fees, including thousands of children and youth who experience YMCA camps and programs each year. For more information, please visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca.
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation:
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
*************************
