City of Brantford continues engagement series that connects local police and youth

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford, in partnership with YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford and Brantford Police Service, is excited to relaunch the Youth Engagement Series (YES) Program. The YES Program pairs physical activity with educational sessions on a range of topics designed to help youth ages 12 to 18 make informed decisions and stay safe by fostering positive relationships with local police.

“The YMCA has always been committed to helping young people reach their potential, and we're excited to partner with the City of Brantford and Brantford Police Services to expand the YES Program,” says Lily Lumsden, Vice President - Employment, Immigrant & Youth Intervention Service of YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford. “This initiative offers youth a sense of community, valuable life skills, fun and, most importantly, positive relationships with trusted adults. The impact has been clear: past participants not only turn to these connections in times of need, but also wish to return because they truly enjoy the program. We're excited to continue making a positive impact on Brantford's youth.”

This free program will be offered on a continuous basis until March 2026. Each cohort will take part in a six-week series which will run one evening a week at the Laurier Brantford YMCA, located at 100 Water Street for approximately two hours. Participating youth can earn volunteer hours for attending. Each series will cover the following subjects:

• healthy relationships,
• online safety,
• substance use,
• and the dangers of gangs and gun violence.

“We are committed to building trust and creating meaningful relationships with the youth in our community,” says Sergeant John Billone of the Brantford Police Service. “The YES program is a perfect example of how collaboration between law enforcement and community organizations can create a safe and supportive environment for our youth to thrive.”

This initiative is part of Brantford’s ongoing commitment to providing youth with access to positive, community-focused programs that promote safety, well-being and personal development through the Building Safer Communities program.

“By creating a space where youth can engage in fun, healthy activities while learning important life skills and safety lessons, we are helping to build stronger connections between our community and law enforcement,” says Mayor Kevin Davis, City of Brantford. “The YES Program is not just about recreation; it’s about empowering youth to make positive choices and create a brighter future for themselves.”

Intake is open for the next cohort, which is open to youth ages 15-18 and will run weekly from January 7 to February 11, 2025. To register for the YES program, email megan.potvin@ymcahbb.ca or call 226-208-0852. To learn more about the Youth Engagement Series, and other programs and initiatives through the Building Safer Community project, visit Brantford.ca/BSC.

Building Safer Communities

This program is funded in part by the Public Safety Canada’s Building Safer Communities grant that aims to prevent youth ages 6 to 25 from becoming involved in gun and gang violence through community-based prevention and intervention strategies and initiatives. Through collaboration with community partners and youth-serving organizations, the City of Brantford developed the Building Safer Communities: Action Plan 2024-2026 in an effort to improve outcomes for youth.

- 30 -

Media Contact:

Heather Carvalho | Manager, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519-759-4150 ext. 5741 | hcarvalho@brantford.ca