Our Programs

YOUTH PROGRAMS

YWCA Muskoka offers school-based programs throughout Muskoka. Why school-based? Without a public transit system, reaching kids at school makes sense! Our programs welcome all youth, and especially those who would benefit from support during tough times including separation, divorce, or those witnessing or experiencing violence, trauma, or substance abuse. Referrals from agencies serving youth are prioritized.

Girlz Unplugged: A self-esteem and confidence building program for girls in grade 4-8. Girls meet weekly to explore healthy relationships, self-care, body image, gender stereotypes,and being media and internet saavy, through crafts, role play, discussions, laughs and fun. Girlz Unplugged summer day programs are held in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville.

Girlz Choice: Girlz Choice is an eight-week program supporting secondary school girls. Girls participate on a voluntary basis and may be recommended to the program by the school guidance or student success teams. Participants identify their challenges which most often include drugs and alcohol, sex, relationships, abuse, conflict with parents, suicide, cutting and eating disorders. Together with the facilitator they explore personal goals, choices, alternative paths and opportunities.

Quest: YWCA Muskoka has piloted a school-based program to support boys at critical turning points in their lives. Grade 5/6 boys, referred by school staff, meet weekly with a facilitator over 12 weeks. Together, they embark on a QUEST to explore individual strengths and uniqueness, learn about character, build lifeskills, develop positive peer relations, and learn how to navigate challenges. A grant from the Government of Canada's Crime Prevention Strategy is funding the extension of this program to all Muskoka elementary schools and will include the development of boys programs for grades 7 to 12. In 2010, 14 schools are hosting grade 5/6 Quest and 2 schools are hosting pilot grade 7/8 Quest programs.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Women in Business: This integrated life skills and business/employment skills program is designed to increase confidence, self-esteem, skill levels and personal and professional networks, ultimately leading to greater economic independence. Participants are supported in completing a Life Plan or a Business Plan. Approximately 40% of our graduates chose to operate their own businesses in Muskoka, including several main street businesses throughout Muskoka. Others have changed careers and explored further education.

Men in Business: Not your ordinary classroom experience! This course is designed to support individuals as they consider change and navigate through transitions in their lives. These transitions may include unemployment, returning to the workforce, changing careers, being new to our community or launching a business. For 3 hours each week for 16 weeks, participants explore a wide range of topics and relate them to their own lives and experiences. Local experts and business people are regular contributors and provide participants relevant, informed training and help participants establish contacts within their own community. Men from all walks of life are welcome to access the training and the people who can support their ambitions and ideas.

Women in Business Networking Luncheons: Excellent speakers, learning and good food create opportunities to stay connected to the community and expand networks. Luncheons always happen in Huntsville on the second Friday of the month, in Bracebridge on the last Friday of the month and in Gravenhurst 5 times a year. All luncheons start at noon and everyone is welcome!
Speaker Schedule

ywcaENCORE: An 8 week program designed specifically for women who have experienced breast cancer at any time in their lives.The program incorporates gentle exercises on land and in a warm-water pool,relaxation techniques, information and support.