Les YMCA du Québec

I feel freer because I wasn’t doing anything at home. I felt like I was in a cage.

Kared

Québec youth are facing several challenges: a high school dropout rate, sedentary behaviour, technology addiction, bullying, marginalization. This is why it is so important to provide young people with a safe place where they can be active, learn and make connections.

When people think of an at-risk youth, what often comes to mind is someone who is aggressive, gets kicked out of class, or is in trouble with the police. But an at-risk youth can also be distant or withdrawn…

Isolation, a lack of resources, problems at school… these are some of the risk factors that could have turned young Kared into one more statistic.

But, after only six months in the YMCA Plusone Mentoring program, Kared is more self-confident and independent. All thanks to having his mentor Kilsaris by his side, giving him support and advice and doing activities with him that motivate him.

With your support, the Y can give young people what they need to make positive choices and succeed. Interacting with caring adult role models and participating in rewarding activities creates a climate of trust and a sense of belonging that encourages youth to talk about their problems, big and small.