Choices

The Choices program is funded through a federal grant that assists at-risk youth, between the ages of 13-19, in the city of Barrie. This program offers support at every step of the way for youth and adapts programming to meet youth’s diverse lives. This programming has over 15 options, including addressing areas like addiction, peer pressure, bullying, and numerous other areas that cause youth to be vulnerable and more likely to become involved with the criminal justice system. We offer programming in exchange for volunteer hours. This assists youth in developing the necessary skills while achieving their graduation credentials. Youth often struggle with this graduation component and involvement with the judicial system can become a barrier to completing their hours. Choices offer monetary and hands-on assistance with applying to post-secondary schools for youth who cannot afford it. With the price and complexity of applications for post-secondary schools, youth are often deterred from applying. We assist youth in applying for OSAP, and more so, helping them to develop a graduation plan to achieve academic success. Providing youth access to alternative programs, one-on-one support, and financial support for food insecurity and post-secondary planning, Choices will support and engage youth in positive community engagement for their future success. This program is accessible by self-referral or referral through community agencies.

For more information or to get involved in the Choices program, contact:

Stephaine Forbes

705-794-0904

sforbes@jhssm.ca

or

Alana Short

705-828-2939

ashort@jhssm.ca