NEWS RELEASE
YMCA OF SIMCOE/MUSKOKA
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The YMCA is excited to announce a successful partnership with the Barrie Police Service, made possible through a grant funding opportunity.
Thanks to this collaboration, 40 YMCA staff and volunteers, along with participants from emergency services and community organizations, received training in the "Inside Out" program — a trauma-informed, strength-based initiative designed to build resilience, mental well-being, and leadership skills among young people in Barrie.
“The partnership with the Barrie Police Service is one we deeply value. Together, we are building supportive frameworks and equipping our staff with trauma-informed skills to foster resilience and protective factors in Barrie’s young people,” said Jill Tettmann, president and CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “We look forward to growing this partnership and broadening our impact in the years ahead.”
The Barrie Police Service’s Inside Out team contributed over 50 hours of training and provided access to their community space for the sessions, showcasing their dedication to youth development and community wellness.
As developed by Ginsburg and Jablow1, the "Inside Out" program centres around the 7 Cs of resilience:
- Character – Developing strong personal values
- Competence – Focusing on individual strengths
- Confidence – Building self-belief and empowerment
- Connections – Fostering a sense of belonging
- Contribution – Cultivating a sense of purpose
- Control – Establishing a sense of agency
- Coping – Equipping youth with stress management skills
During each session, participants learned the foundational theories and brain science behind resilience and trauma-informed practices before engaging in hands-on activities. They then collaborated to brainstorm practical applications for YMCA programming.
Altogether, YMCA staff and volunteers generated 295 ideas for integrating these approaches into their roles and rated the training an impressive 9.2 out of 10 — highlighting a strong commitment to continued growth and empowerment of Barrie’s youth.
"Participating in the workshop was an incredible experience," said one YMCA participant. "I truly appreciated that both days were held in-person. It allowed me to feel more connected to the program and be fully present in the activities. The hands-on approach was not only fun but also deeply engaging, making it an experience I won’t forget."
Another participant highlighted the program's flexibility and ease of implementation, noting, "The activities and materials provided are incredibly adaptable, whether you're working with limited space, time, or varying participant needs. The program is designed to be easily facilitated, whether it's an impromptu session or part of a longer educational journey. It’s built around celebrating individuality, promoting self-empowerment, fostering empathy, and encouraging healthy dialogue."
The YMCA sincerely thanks the Barrie Police Service and Public Safety Canada for their invaluable support and commitment to strengthening our community. This unique partnership allows us to work together toward a safer, healthier, and more vibrant future for Barrie’s young people. We are grateful for this shared vision and look forward to continuing this important work together.
To learn more about the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s programs and services, visit their website at www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca.
1Ginsburg, K. R., & Jablow, M. M. (2020). Building resilience in children and teens: Giving kids roots and wings (4th ed.). American Academy of Pediatrics.
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