Nurturing the potential of our youth builds a stronger community and future. Whether building confidence, leadership skills or the knowledge to take action on social issues, we encourage positive behaviours, personal growth, belonging and connection.
Open Y
Youth Community Access Program
Offering Youth a Place of Recreation and Belonging
Open Y offers Winnipeg youth ages 13-17 free access to YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg Community Hubs every Friday evening with NO membership or fees required.
Downtown: Fridays, 5pm-close
Elmwood Kildonan: Fridays, 7pm-close
South: Fridays, 7pm-close
West Portage: Fridays, 7pm-close
Supported through funding from the City of Winnipeg and United Way.
Programs that Empower
Youth Leadership Programs
Y Winnipeg has been helping youth build leadership skills, teamwork and confidence with leadership training at our branches and camps for more than a century.
YMCA Community Action Network (YCAN)
Selected youth participants from local communities choose, lead, deliver and evaluate their own service initiatives. The program provides support to help them successfully to make a difference in their community!
The Power of Being You
Y Winnipeg was excited to host this youth conference in partnership with schools to support Gender-Based Violence Prevention and to promote discussion and dialogue about issues youth in our community face, including healthy relationships, self-esteem, inclusion, consent, internet safety and building confidence.
Programs that Support
Y Mind
Y Mind is a free seven-week mental wellness program for people ages 13-30 who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety. Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and led by trained mental health professionals, Y Mind gives teens and young adults the chance to connect with others who are having similar experiences.
Youth Employment Support Program
If you are a young newcomer to Canada or inner-city youth looking for help finding work, the YES Program can help you build skills and be successful in a job. We will help youth who attend the 8 classes get paid job internships. Our goal is to connect all youth who want to work with jobs they enjoy! Say “YES” to YES!