Program

Home > Plusone > Program

Helping youth realize their full potential

The program is based on an established early intervention model that helps engage and equip young people to overcome the challenges they face. Participants are matched with mentors who are specially trained to work with youth. Mentors give young people positive role models and encourage them to gradually decrease their risky behaviours and pursue their aspirations. This one-year relationship provides youth with the support they need to achieve their full potential.

Launched in 2009 by YMCA Scotland, the YMCA Plusone Mentoring program was named one of the best intervention programs for youth in 2012. After six months, 86% of young people in the program had significantly improved their behaviour and changed their attitude.

Led by the YMCAs of Québec, the YMCA Plusone Mentoring program was rolled out in 2016 in four Canadian communities: Moncton (NB), Montréal (QC), Regina (SK) and Surrey (BC). 

YMCA Plusone Mentoring combines 4 key elements

Personalize

The program is tailored to the specific needs and interests of each youth participant.

Engage

 Adult volunteer mentors commit to their mentee for a period of one year. Together they share new experiences in the safe and welcoming environment of their YMCA, and create a genuine bond.

Accompany

 Mentors are trained and guided by program support workers who ensure the healthy progression of the mentoring relationship.

Empower

Mentees identify objectives they want to attain and, with their mentor, implement an action plan to help them meet their goals at the end of the program.

Discover the impact of YMCA Plusone Mentoring

“Being a mentor means supporting a young person’s dream, showing him new things, listening without judging and simply being there for them. It’s also a give-and-take relationship, a learning experience for both participants.”

- Anna, mentor