Be Wise is a free program that supports youth aged 12-18 who may be at risk of gang involvement.
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.
Youth Outreach Workers
We understand the challenges of transportation for youth. Our staff are flexible and can meet youth in community spaces one-to-one.
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.
Ready, Set, Thrive!
Ready, Set, Thrive! 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.
Emotional Regulation
Emotional Regulation focuses on youth with anger management challenges. This workshop can be run individually as well as in groups over a four-to-eight-week period. Youth can self-referred or are usually referred by:
• Other agencies
• Youth Justice (Justice System)
• Schools
Community agencies or schools may request to have this program offered at their location or at a designated YMCA space. Youth who complete the anger management program can receive a certificate.
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:
• Guns and Gangs
• Substance Use & Misuse
• Personal Care
• Financial Literacy
• Resumes & Cover Letters
• Interviewing
• Healthy Relationships
• Self-Esteem & Body Image
• Social Media Use
• Mental 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.
To contact a member of the Be Wise team:
Email: be.wise@ymcahbb.ca
Phone: 289-244-3288
