$90,700 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Supported YMCA’s Y Mind Program, Empowering Burlington Youth

 

Burlington, ON – On Friday, local MPP Natalie Pierre visited the Ron Edwards Family YMCA to celebrate the successful impact of the $90,700 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Awarded in 2022, the grant enabled the YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford to relaunch the Y Mind Program, an essential mental health initiative aimed at supporting youth aged 13 to 30 who experience mild to moderate anxiety.

 

“Through programs like the YMCA’s Y Mind Program, youth in our community have access to early intervention programming and evidence-based tools that help them understand how to optimize and maintain good mental health,” said Natalie Pierre, MPP for Burlington. “Through the provincial governments OTF Resilient Communities Fund, youth in our community will have the support they need to better navigate life’s challenges.”

 

The Y Mind Program, which operated over a 24-month period, offered free early intervention support to youth, helping them develop coping skills through evidence-based techniques grounded in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness. The program not only addressed the immediate mental health needs of Burlington youth but also fostered a stronger sense of community and resilience during a time of heightened challenges post-pandemic.

 

“The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s support has had a transformative effect on the lives of young people in Burlington,” said Manny Figueiredo, President & CEO of YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford. “Through the Y Mind Program, we’ve empowered youth to manage their stress and anxiety, giving them the tools they need to thrive while building lasting community connections.”

 

The OTF grant covered program delivery, marketing, materials, and participant support, including transportation costs, allowing the YMCA to reach youth most in need of mental health resources. This initiative underscores the YMCA’s commitment to empowering individuals and building stronger communities through innovative programs and partnerships.

 

As a charitable organization, YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is dedicated to promoting healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development. The Y Mind Program had a tremendous impact on the lives of Burlington youth during a critical time of recovery from the pandemic. While the program was a one-time initiative, the YMCA remains committed to investing in mental health initiatives, continuing to reinforce its mission to provide accessible support for all. The organization will also focus on youth engagement and mental health in its upcoming initiatives, ensuring the community continues to grow stronger and more resilient.

 

“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come."

 

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.

 

Visit otf.ca to learn more.

            

 

 

 

 

Shawn McKillop, APR

Senior Vice President, Communications & Digital Transformation

YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford

365-336-1834  |  shawn.mckillop@ymcahbb.ca