The YMCA Youth Impact Committee (YIC) of Regina in Moose Jaw is looking for young people between the ages of 12 to 25 to help voice the needs of our youth in various areas of personal growth and social needs. .
The government is investing $3.4 million in 2023-24 to support the continued development, implementation, and operations of an Integrated Youth Services (IYS) model for Saskatchewan. Designing and implementing the project partners with site designers and young people directly who can impact the needs of their peers
“The (YIC) program is designed to provide invaluable insight and support to the development and ongoing program support for the Integrated Youth Services Hub. This opportunity might be interesting for those looking to improve youth mental health and wellness, and connect with other youth,” explained Ashley Florent, General Manager, Community Development for the Regina YMCA,
Integrated Youth Services Hub will take recommendations from the Youth Impact Committee on youth-targeted services and support with a focus on prevention and early intervention.
Four organizations have been chosen to operate Saskatchewan's Integrated Youth Services (IYS) sites, the YWCA Regina in Regina, PARTNERS Family Services in Humboldt, Sturgeon Lake First Nation Health Center in Sturgeon Lake First Nation and the YMCA of Regina in Moose Jaw.
So, this gives our youths in and around Moose Jaw an active voice and support for other youths within the community and across Saskatchewan. Work on the sites is underway, with services to begin in 2024-25.
"I'm pleased these communities will host Integrated Youth Services sites, making it easier for our young people to get the services they're looking for all in one location," Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod said. "This is another step forward in our government's plan to better serve the needs of youth and their families with coordinated access to a variety of supports."
Members of the Youth Impact Committee co-design team will use their voices from personally lived experiences to help inform the Integrated Youth Services model for Saskatchewan. The committee input will help guide the development and implementation of services that align with the strategic direction and overall vision for Integrated Youth Services in the province.
The YIC will meet about 3 hours per month to share and allow them to improve youth mental health and wellness, and connect with other youths.
Areas of interest will be mental health and addictions services, physical health services, education, employment and training supports, social and community services, youth and caregiver peer supports, cultural and traditional supports, and other services as identified by community need.
If you are between the ages 12 and 25 and need further information or want to participate in the committee by becoming a member, please submit a volunteer application, along with a brief description of why you would like to be a member of the YIC by sending an email to Jill Lesuk at jill.lesuk@mjymca.ca. The YMCA will then contact the youth to follow up on their application. Also, check the Saskatchewan Youth Services at https://saskiys.ca/
