The YESS program has been designed to bring a better understanding of other cultures and safety issues within the community and to enable members of ethnic groups, especially youth, more opportunities to fully participate in community life. YESS is aimed at youth in K-W that face barriers to participating in recreation such as cost, transportation, and discrimination.

GOAL
The goal of the YESS program is to help reduce the number of crimes and violence among youth.

OBJECTIVES
* To provide diverse groups of youth with access to recreational opportunities that are youth-driven
* To support youth and their families to successfully integrate into the community and the culture
* To encourage active and constructive participation in community life
* To promote harmony and safety

YESS OFFERS YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES:
*  Workshops for youth on leadership, cross-cultural team-building, respect, & the rights and responsibilities involved in living in Canada.
*  Access to recreation for youth that traditionally face barriers such as: cost, transportation, and discrimination.
*  Opportunity to be involved in the planning of the recreational initiatives. Possible activities will range from team sports to drama, music, & art.
*  Workshops and support will be provided to parents on topics of interest such as parenting in a different culture.

 ::QUICK FACTS...Did you know?::

The cost of bringing one youth through the juvenile justice system can be in excess of $500,000 (National Crime Prevention Centre, Selling 4 Peers, 2000)
As recreation spending goes up, the crime rates go down (Parks and Recreation Ontario, Together With Youth-Planning Recreation Services For Youth - At-Risk, 1999)