No doubt you’ve heard about the impact of this pandemic on kids of all ages. There has been a significant increase in anxiety and depression in our youth. Calls to Kids Help line has increased 112%. Which is why our program team knew it was especially important to keep our youth programs up and running this year. And while they looked a little bit different this fall (all online!) the positive impact has been significant.

So far, YWCA Muskoka has run eight in-school and after-school virtual programs in elementary and high schools across Muskoka. The programs gave youth a chance to express themselves through art, games, mindfulness and conversation, all while processing our current pandemic situation. We saw friendships formed that carried beyond our programs– particularly for youth who are doing 100% of their schooling online this year. As we all know, friendship and positive interactions with peers is vital in this time of social isolation.

Our Youth Council continues to meet virtually each month and their community leadership has been admirable. This past December, they delivered over 100 hand-written letters and cards to seniors in Muskoka. They’ve also learned about finance & budgeting and social justice issues.

We want to thank all of the supporters, parents, donors, facilitators and most of all, the youth of Muskoka, who embraced our new online programming!

Our youth programs will continue this winter, with a new addition: The Youth Unlocked project, funded by Telus – an initiative that focuses on examining the role of women and girls in society and helps youth find their purpose and voice during this unprecedented time. Learn more about registration below!

Stacey Schat, Youth Program Coordinator & Laura Sundy, Community Relations Coordinator