The Program
ABOUT YOUTH
EMPOWERMENT
& STRENGTH
YES was created to provide a positive and healthy environment for at-risk youth (between 13 - 17 years of age) to learn fitness and strength training with the goal of self-empowerment. By providing a barrier-free opportunity to train and learn, we aim to redirect negative, unproductive and potentially harmful behaviour into positive, mindful and constructive action.
For the purposes of this program, we define "at-risk" as a youth who struggles with:
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Healthy social interactions
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Academic focus
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Previous troublesome or illegal behaviour resulting in police intervention and/or suspension/removal from educational institution
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Family/home-life challenges
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Mental health barriers
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Financial barriers
To be considered for the program, the youth must:
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Be affected by financial barriers in addition to at least one of the above mentioned barriers
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Be referred by a counsellor, social worker, youth support worker, RCMP contact etc.
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Please note this program is NOT intended as a free opportunity to "go to the gym"
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Learn about our program, below.
THE
INITIATIVE
To provide barrier-free access to fitness and nutrition training to at-risk youth between the ages of 13-17 in the Richmond, BC region for up to 52 weeks.
THE
COMMITMENT
Youth must commit to 2 sessions of training per week for a minimum of 8 weeks and a maximum of 52 weeks. Each session is 60 minutes.
HOW WE
DO IT
Youth will train and learn with a Fitness Coach at a fitness studio based in Steveston. Weekly attendance, mood check-ins, and monthly progress reports provide accountability.
OUR MAIN
GOAL
To provide a safe and inclusive space for at risk youth to improve their physical and mental health while building positive, life-long skills, with no financial cost.
THE OUTCOME
Through regular fitness sessions and nutrition education with our supportive trainers, youth will gain the following:
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• Improved physical fitness
• Nutrition planning skills
• Goal-setting skills
• Time management skills
• Accountability
• How to foster team work and build healthy relationships
• Healthy decision making skills
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In the YES program, youth will be mindfully and respectfully guided and provided with opportunities to be vulnerable, to grow and to find happiness, strength and pride.