The Regional YMCA in Saint John is shown in this file photo.
The Saint John Y is looking to encourage LGBTQ+ youth to get involved in the community or reach out if they need support.
The programs are part of the national YMCA’s Community Action Network (YCAN).
Despite the attempts to create programming for the underrepresented community, a recent youth support group aimed at queer youth had no registrants.
Shilo Boucher, president and CEO of the Y Greater Saint John, says the online program may have failed to attract registrants because youth aren’t ready to come out publicly.
“We need to do a better job at meeting our youth where they are at, and asking them what they need from us, and from our community and our city,” Boucher said. “It’s been a learning experience for the team here at the Y.”
Though that program wasn’t able to attract registrants, Boucher says there are plenty of opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth to get involved at the Y.
Part of the YMCA programming is aimed at helping underrepresented groups attain career skills training.
“We’re trying to connect the youth with employability skills and make connections right here in our community, so they have somebody in our community to lean on,” said Boucher.
The programming also focuses on helping youth access peer support.
“They’ll get a connection, talk about self-esteem, self-compassion, healthy relationships. They’ll probably make some new friends and learn some leadership skills.”
Boucher encourages youth who are looking for ways to get involved in the community, or to access future programs to contact the Greater Saint John Y’s coordinator at 506-333-5550.
