Youth Transitions Program
Life can throw a lot of curveballs. But you’re not alone. YTP is a free program for youth to help build resilience, develop life skills navigate challenges and find the support you need to shine.
Ages: 12–24 years
What is YTP?
YMCA of Northern Alberta’s Youth Transitions Program (YTP) is designed to help youth ages 12–24 build resilience, develop life skills and navigate challenges that may impact their well-being, relationships and future success.
Youth and young adults will increase their confidence and self-esteem, set goals, use their strengths, gain life skills and avoid risky behaviours. YTP provides a safe and supportive environment for youth to build relationships with adults and peers.
Participants receive the right level of support at the right time through a continuum of support. The program is grounded in developmental relationships, trauma-informed practice, strengths-based approaches, resilience theory and youth voice and choice.
YTP includes
Our Youth Support Workers work one-on-one with young people to help them discover who they are, cultivate the abilities needed for them to shape their own lives and learn how to engage with and contribute to the world around them.
Change is hard. Our Youth Support Workers are there for youth to help them resolve insecurities or ambivalent feelings and find the internal motivation they need to make positive life change. It’s a short-term, strengths-based and empathetic process that allows young people to shine.
Life Skill Workshops
Well-being Activities
Cultural Supports and Inclusion
YTP welcomes young people from all backgrounds and lived experiences. Our programs are designed to be inclusive, accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of youth and young adults, including:
Indigenous young people
Newcomers and refugees
Sexually- and gender-diverse youth
Young people living in rural or remote communities
Young people experiencing social isolation or barriers to participation
Through collaboration with Indigenous and newcomer communities, YTP incorporates services and activities that are informed and reflective of teachings and involvement of community members. Youth receive Indigenous and/or other cultural supports through engagement in activities like youth and elder-led walks, circles, ceremonies and traditional teaching opportunities.
Community Collaboration
YTP partners with secondary and post-secondary schools, Indigenous organizations, community agencies, cultural organizations and other youth-serving partners to ensure young people have access to coordinated supports and opportunities. Through collaboration, referrals and shared service planning, we make sure youth are connected to the resources and relationships they need to thrive.
Where to find YTP
Eagle Ridge Community Centre YMCA
Clearwater Community YMCA
Clearwater Community YMCA, through the Family Resource Network
In Fort McMurray, located at:
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 3Z7
Mon–Fri: 8:30am–4:30pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
Fort Chipewyan
In Fort Chipewyan, located at:
124–136 MacKenzie Avenue
Mon–Fri: 8:30am–4:30pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
YTP programming also takes place wherever youth are — schools, public spaces and community organizations. We also serve surrounding rural communities through the Family Resource Network.
Drop in and relax, play games, read or connect with friends at our Youth Centre in the Eagle Ridge Community Centre YMCA! Through our Youth Transitions Program, we’ll also host workshops and recreation nights led by our Youth Support Workers. These activities provide opportunities for youth to build life skills, explore new interests, strengthen connections and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.
Youth Centre Hours: Monday–Friday, 2:45–5:25pm during the school year. On Professional Learning Fridays (PLFs), hours are 1–5:15pm.
Generously supported by: Syncrude
Over one million children and youth in Canada are impacted by mental health problems, yet less than 20 percent receive appropriate treatment. Y Mind is a free early intervention program designed for youth and young adults experiencing stress and anxiety and is available at YMCA of Northern Alberta to better support Alberta's youth.
Y Mind is a free seven-week mental wellness program that supports teens 13–18 years and youth 18–30 years who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety. At Y Mind, they will learn and practice evidence-based strategies to cope with stress and anxiety.
This program is led by trained facilitators in Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Wood Buffalo regions and gives a small group of youth the chance to connect with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings.
Y Mind is made possible through our funding partners.
Generously supported by: Government of Alberta, Alberta Blue Cross, CN, TC Energy, Syncrude, Unifor.
