YMCA Steps up with Youth Night

BROCKVILLE, ON – The YMCA of Eastern Ontario has partnered with Brockville Police Service to respond to the void left by the closure of Bartholomew Street Community Hub project at the end of August.

Beginning November 1 and running on Friday nights to December 20, continuing in the new year. The Y’s Teen Night pilot project will provide a safe and welcoming environment for youth aged 13 to 18. With the pilot, the Y hopes that stakeholders will get involved and help to keep the program going.

“At the Y, our job is much more than providing a gym. We tailor our programs to best serve our communities and we are well-positioned to help our youth,” said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “We’ve listened to kids in our community and they’ve told us they want somewhere to go where they feel safe, somewhere that isn’t about structured activities, but where they can hang out with friends.” 

Teen Night at the Y in Brockville is free and will run from 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. It includes use of the pool from 7:30 to 9 p.m.; free wi-fi and snacks; access to the fitness room, gym and the new functional fitness area; and a safe space to socialize. 

Twice a month, the Y will provide buses for youth in rural areas to attend. On November 1 and December 6, the bus will stop in Cardinal, Johnstown, Spencerville and Prescott. On November 15 and December 20, the bus will travel from Gananoque, Landsdowne and Mallorytown.

As always, trained Y staff and lifeguards will be on hand to ensure safety. The Brockville Police Service will also provide staff through its Youth in Policing Initiative.

“When one door closes another one opens,” said Police Chief Scott Fraser. “We are happy to be partnering with the YMCA and to help them offer a place for kids to go with their friends and to develop new social networks.”

In addition to a drop-in space, the YMCA is working with the Salvation Army to offer healthy produce through the Good Food Box program. Each month, individuals order and pre-pay $15 to receive a box of produce that is ordered through bulk buying and is always below retail price. To order a box, one need not be a member of the Y. This is open to everyone. For information and to place an order, please visit the front desk of the YMCA at 345 Park St. The Y will deliver food boxes to the area around Bartholomew Street.

For more information, please contact:
Colleen Gareau
Director, Marketing and Communications