Be Wise is a free program that supports youth aged 12-18.
In one-to-one and group workshops, our staff work with youth through prevention, intervention, and awareness building to help them navigate challenges including; mental wellness, school, peers, and family pressure.
Be Wise is offered in the Burlington, Oakville, and Milton regions, both in person and virtually.
We understand the challenges of transportation for youth. Our staff are flexible and can meet youth in community spaces one-to-one
Contact Us
Email: be.wise@ymcahbb.ca
Phone: 289-244-3288
Explore Our Services
One-on-One
Be Wise challenges youth to think about the decisions they make, consider and plan for their future, and engage in programming opportunities. Youth Outreach Workers work with youth one-to-one to set and accomplish goals that will help them succeed.
Our staff provide youth with informal counselling, advocacy services, basic employment and life skills development, and referrals into the community (such as education and recreation opportunities, job search assistance, housing and addiction supports).
Community Workshops
Our Be Wise team hosts workshop series and information sessions that focus on new and emerging trends amongst our youth.
How to Adult
How to Adult! is designed to educate and prepare participants for the transitional phase of moving from adolescence into adulthood. This workshop series can be presented individually or in a group setting through in-school presentations or weekly groups in various locations.
Topics discussed include healthy relationships, post-secondary planning, financial management, communication skills, and more! Community agencies or schools may request to have this program offered at their location or at a designated YMCA space. A certificate is administered once participants complete all workshops.
Y Mind
The Y Mind program is an innovative, youth informed, early intervention program that helps teens and young adults manage stress and anxiety. Y Mind helps young people cope with anxiety and improve their sense of well-being by introducing them to evidence-based tools and connecting them with others.
See the event calendar or fill out the interest form (at the bottom of the page) for upcoming groups.
Read More
Youth Engagement Series (Y.E.S.)
The Youth Engagement Series is a 6-part presentation series, in collaboration with the Halton Regional Police Services, on topics including Gun & Gangs, Social Media & Tech, Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness; Vice & Drugs, Support Services, etc. Youth will:
- Connect and learn about Burlington Youth Services
- Hear from officers in different departments of Halton Regional Police Service
- Learn life skills and engage in recreational activities
- Learn from community members with lived experience
See the event calendar or fill out the interest form (at the bottom of the page) for upcoming groups.
Youth Engagement Series Starting Soon!
When: Every Wednesday, February 19 - March 26, 2025
Time: 4:00PM - 6:00PM
Where: Ron Edwards Family YMCA (500 Drury Ln, Burlington)
Fill out the interest form below to start the pre-registration process.
Information Sessions
Stand-alone information sessions are offered to provide awareness and about issues that may be relevant to youth in order to prevent or interrupt gun and gang activity. Information sessions provide high-level information on topics listed below:
- Effective Communication
- Resume, Job Search, & Interviewing Skills
- Budgeting / Financial Literacy
- Healthy Relationships
- Self-Esteem & Body Image
- Social Media Use & Online Safety
- Personal Care
- Mental / Emotional Well-being
Community agencies or schools may request to host an information session at their location or at a designated YMCA space.
Interested in joining the program?
Youth can be referred to the program or self-referred by filling out our interest form to help identify what supports are needed. A Youth Outreach Worker will contact you with more information about the program and the registration process.
"The Be Wise Program is funded by the Region of Halton through Public Safety Canada's Building Safer Communities Fund to prevent youth gun and gang violence."
