City of Brantford, in collaboration with the YMCA of Hamilton Burlington Brantford and Brantford Police Service, announced the return of the free Youth Engagement Series (YES) program on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
The program combines physical activity with educational sessions on a range of topics designed to help youth ages 12 to 18 make informed decisions and build positive connections with local police.
“By engaging youth, we can build positive relationships, establish community trust, and open the lines of communication. We aim to give young people the knowledge and confidence to navigate life’s choices successfully,” said Sgt. John Billone, of the Brantford Police Service.
The YES program takes place at Laurier Brantford YMCA and runs weekly on Tuesdays between July 22 and August 19, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for youth ages 12 to 15. Programing for youth ages 15 to 18 will occur Thursdays between July 24 and August 21, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“The overall aim of YES-Brantford program is to prevent youth crime, especially youth gang involvement. By improving the youth-police relationship and learning about the harms of gang involvement, drug use and online grooming, teens in Brantford will make better decisions when in the community,” said Lily Lumsden, Vice President, Employment, Immigrant and Youth Intervention Services, YMCA of Hamilton Burlington Brantford.
Participants can also earn up to 12 volunteer hours and receive a complimentary three month pass to YMCA facilities. Each session in the program will cover topics relevant to youth well-being, including:
- healthy relationships
- online safety
- substance use
- the dangers of gangs and gun violence
Since its launch in the spring of 2024, the YES program has engaged over 125 Brantford youth, with participants acknowledging a greater awareness of local resources and an improved relationship with law enforcement. Interested participants can learn more about the program through a promotional video available on the City’s YouTube channel and social media channels that includes interviews with members from Brantford Police Service, Laurier Brantford YMCA, and youth participants.
“The YES program is a fantastic way to empower Brantford’s youth to make safe and informed decisions about their future. It also allows youth the opportunity to build relationships with local law enforcement and gain a greater sense of community,” added Kevin Davis, Mayor for the City of Brantford.
The YES program is part of Brantford’s ongoing efforts to support youth development through the Building Safer Communities initiative, which focuses on creating safe spaces for youth and promoting personal growth and well-being.
