Last year, the program made contact with more that 7,000 youth in the Greater Toronto Area and held 2,500 individual appointments with youth.

Like the YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program, it is based on a harm reduction philosophy that neither condones nor condemns alcohol and drug use.  Participants examine the risks that are associated with use and are provided information on how to reduce these risks.

Matthew McDonald is the Director of both the YMCA Youth Substance Abuse Program and Youth Gambling Awareness Program. Matt was a counselor in Scarborough becoming director of YSAP, a program funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. He oversees specialized staff who work with youth in downtown Toronto, Scarborough, Mississauga and Brampton.

"We spend 60% of our time working on-on-one with participants between the ages of 14 and 24, as required by our mandate” Matt explains. “But we also do a great deal of work in the community working with schools, shelters and community groups.”

YSAP works alongside as many as fifty partner organizations each year. The approach they take to substance abuse may be different than the YMCA’s, but more and more, the YMCA is being recognized a committed and experienced leader in the area of youth substance abuse.

“They’re definitely recognizing the value of the work we’re doing,” McDonald says. He adds that in the community, general awareness is increasing of the many supports that exist for youth today.

In addition to one-on-one counseling, the YMCA conducts nine-week long peer education programs in high schools. Already, three programs have been booked for the 2007-2008 school year.

“The education we provide covers everything from specific information about drugs…how they’re used and how they affect people…to how to support your friends and how to party safely,” says McDonald.

As the program concludes, the Grade 11 and 12 students deliver a presentation to the Grade 9 and 10 students. By passing along the information they’ve learned, they forge mentoring connections that will facilitate ongoing dialogue.

“It’s easier for students to get information from other students, rather than their teachers or parents or the YMCA guy,” Matt McDonald says. “Also, they’ll go on to talk to other kids. They’re connected to people we aren’t.”

By reaching out to youth in the community, and providing information and non-judgmental support, the YMCA Youth Substance Abuse Program helps youth achieve their own goals.