Lighting the Way Forward: Empowering Youth, Building Strong Communities

By Fiona Cascagnette, Chief Operating Officer, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

At the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, we see it every day: when people are given the chance to lead, they don’t just imagine a better future – they start building it. Their energy, creativity, and compassion are already shaping our communities. That’s why youth empowerment has always been central to who we are.

If you ask someone to think of a charity that supports youth, chances are they’ll say the YMCA – and that’s no coincidence. For generations, we’ve been creating spaces where young people can feel safe, supported, and seen. From campfires to classrooms, from part-time jobs to international exchanges, the YMCA is where youth grow their confidence, discover their purpose, and find a sense of belonging.

We also recognize that today’s youth face real challenges: economic pressures, climate anxiety, mental health concerns, and a deep need for connection. That’s why now, more than ever, we’re committed to investing in young people and the YMCA is proud to be leading the way.

Turning Possibility into Progress

We’ve made investment in youth a key part of our organizational strategy. One of the core goals of our current strategic plan is to develop and implement a Youth Leadership Strategy – this will empower young people to participate, to lead, and to both find their voices and use them to shape our shared future.

This year that commitment came to life in powerful new ways through two innovative programs:

With the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Grant, we launched the Youth Changemaker Leadership Institute, the first program of its kind in Simcoe County. Developed in collaboration with Georgian College and #ChangeTheNow, this week-long experience welcomed over 100 youth who emerged equipped with the skills, mindset, and confidence to lead meaningful change in their communities. From envisioning sustainable futures to designing real-world solutions, participants didn’t just learn about leadership; they lived it.

Alongside that, we introduced the YMCA Lifelong Leaders Program, a dynamic initiative rooted in personal discovery and real-world experience. Through national exchanges, international travel, immersive workshops, and community engagement, this program empowers youth to explore their passions and turn them into action.

Together, these programs embody what the YMCA stands for: helping youth reach their full potential.

Confidence That Lights the Way

Last year alone, we served over 15,000 youth across Simcoe/Muskoka through child care, camp, outdoor education, health and fitness, leadership, and community outreach programs. Each of those interactions has the power to change a life.

Just ask Isaac:

The people at the Y welcomed us like we were already part of the family. There was no judgement, just encouragement. I started working out, joining youth programs, and showing up for myself in a way I never had before. It wasn’t just about trying to lose weight or “fix” how I looked; it was about feeling strong, inside and out. Over time, something even bigger shifted: I changed the way I viewed myself, and life in general.

Stories like Isaac’s remind us why this work matters. Every act of support – from a volunteer’s mentorship to a donor’s gift – helps young people see what’s possible for themselves and, by extension, for their communities.

The Future Looks Bright

When we invest in youth, we invest in the future – one that’s healthier, more inclusive, and more connected. At the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, we’re proud to continue this legacy of empowerment, guided by the belief that every young person deserves the chance to shine.

Let’s keep opening those doors.

Let’s keep nurturing tomorrow’s leaders.

Let’s keep building stronger communities – together.

To learn more about how the YMCA is supporting youth for a brighter future, visit https://www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/shineon/.