Posted on

Parent Education, Support and Skills Development Program (PEP)

Alternatives for Youth (AY) is committed to providing substance use treatment services for youth aged 12 to 25 years and those who care for them.

Research has shown that engaging caregivers in substance use education and counselling programs improves treatment outcomes for youth with substance use and concurrent mental health problems.

The feedback we have received from caregivers that have attended this program indicates that information covered is helpful and the group experience is positive. Caregivers have noted improvement in their everyday lives as a result of attending this program.

PEP will run continuously on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00pm, following the 10 week cycle. Participants are asked to make a commitment to attend all 10 PEP group sessions, but can start at any time

Week 1: Stigma and Self Care
Week 2: Teen Substance Use and Drug Basics
Week 3: Teen Mental Health and Brain Development
Week 4: Youth-Related Risk Factors
Week 5: Parenting Strategies – Setting Limits and Boundaries
Week 6: Understanding and Influencing Change
Week 7: Communication
Week 8: Managing Breakdowns and Crises
Week 9: Recovery as A Family Unit
Week 10: The Big Review

PEP Fees: Services at Alternatives for Youth are funded by several sources, so presently there is no fee for attending PEP.

To register for the group, please submit the form located here
For inquiries, please contact Katlyn Lamont at klamont@ay.on.ca or 289-819-4240

Download the printable flyer here

Posted on

Call for Applications – Board of Directors (Volunteer Positions)

Alternatives for Youth (AY) is a non-profit agency that provides substance use and concurrent mental health treatment to children, youth and young adults who are experiencing difficulties related to the use of alcohol, tobacco and any other substances. We also provide support to parents/caregivers/families through our Parent Education, Support and Skills Development program. In addition to our central location at 460 Main Street East, Suite 304. AY currently provides services in numerous secondary schools, youth serving agencies,  as well as McMaster Children’s Hospital and Ron Joyce Children’s Hospital, supporting youth in the Hamilton community.

AY’s mission is to provide community based substance use and addiction treatment services that engage and mobilize youth and their families. Our Vision is to inspire hope and resilience in youth. AY currently receives funding from the Ministry of Health (MoH), the City of Hamilton, and the United Way of Halton & Hamilton.

The role of the Board of Directors is to provide responsible leadership and guidance to the agency’s overall direction. The Board functions through a governance model and as such, is tasked with the following responsibilities:

  • Prepare for and attend monthly Board meetings; committee meetings as needed, and the Annual General Meeting
  • Strategic Plan development
  • Approve budgets and monitor financial performance
  • Review organizational by-laws and Board policies
  • Establish criteria and monitor Executive Director performance
  • Participate in the Board recruitment process
  • Keep informed about community issues relevant to the mission and objectives of AY

The Board welcomes applications from any individual who feels that they are ready and able to commit for a three-year term to support the agency’s mission and vision. The Board meets monthly on the last Monday of each month at 6:00 PM.

Skills & Qualifications:

  • Enthusiasm and passion for contributing to the Hamilton community and an understanding of the issues affecting the agency and the community
  • Forward thinking with the ability to work well within a team environment
  • Willingness to be a spokesperson and advocate
  • Desire to contribute skills and expertise in at least one of the following areas;
    • Finance/Accounting
    • Human Resources
    • Risk Management
    • Fundraising/Donor Development
    • Marketing/Community Development/Public Relations
    • Volunteer board experience is an asset but not a requirement

Along with consideration of the following:

  • Affiliation or familiarity with Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC) communities and issues
  • Affiliation or familiarity with Two-Spirit, non-binary, trans, lesbian gay, bisexual and queer people (2SLGBTQ+)
  • Differently-abled persons
  • Persons with an affiliation or familiarity with substance use or addictions issues

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Applicants are invited to provide a letter of interest and resume/profile to the Board Chair, Erika Morton at airmorton@hotmail.com

Posted on

SMART Recovery virtual group meetings are BACK!

Alternatives for Youth offers the SMART Recovery® Virtual Group for young people ages 16 to 25 who are looking to make changes to their substance use. This open group allows participants to join as needed, with initial registration required to access the virtual meeting link. New for February 2025, Alternatives for Youth will provide this group with the support of a Peer Support Worker . A Peer Support Worker in a SMART Recovery® group enhances engagement by offering lived experience, practical insights, and encouragement, creating a supportive and relatable environment. Their presence fosters trust, reduces isolation, and empowers participants with real-world strategies to navigate recovery.

Facilitated by a registered psychotherapist or registered social worker, the group follows a peer support model where participants encourage and support one another in achieving their goals. Through the program, participants will gain practical tools and strategies to help navigate challenges and make positive changes in their substance use. The group provides a supportive space to learn, share, and implement new approaches to recovery.

SMART Recovery®

SMART Recovery® helps individuals gain independence from addictive behaviors. Our program is based on scientific knowledge and evolves as scientific knowledge evolves.

 

The SMART Recovery® 4-Point Program:

Part 1: Enhancing and Maintaining Motivation
Part 2: Coping with Urges
Part 3: Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors
Part 4: Living a Balanced Life

Meeting Information

Starting Tuesday February 11, 2025, meetings will occur weekly on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 via Microsoft Teams

Attendance for each meeting IS NOT mandatory.

For more information or to register, please use the QR code on our flyer located here

Alternatively, you can contact
Manuela Candamil R.S.W. at
289-684-3831 or mcandamil@ay.on.ca