GirlSpace is an awesome free leadership program for any person who identifies as a girl ages 8 to 17. The program runs during the school year and often has special programming during March break and the summer.

How long have you worked for YWCA NWT? Since October 2020. Prior to that, was with Y in St. Thomas from 2009-2012 and with Y in Kitchener-Waterloo. Why do you work for YWCA NWT? I started working in marketing after graduating and hated it. I applied for a job with the YWCA NWT in the Dudes Club program as I wanted to do something more related to recreation and youth. It's the people and the work I do that make this job great. The first year I was uncertain and wondering if I was making a difference and I used to have sleepless nights to think of ways to make this program better; then I started seeing changes in the program participants, and then it grew and it’s expanded to what it is today. I hope one day the youth will recognize the experiences they’ve been given and skills they’ve learned and reciprocate it back to someone. What do you do as the Team Lead? Preparing for the Dudes Club program is a priority. That’s a lot of administration, planning – interactive games with more serious topics, as well as fun outings, camping, playing sports, on the land activities, interactive learning, arts and crafts – there’s at least 30 different topics depending on what kids are interested in at the start of the program – we can modify if needed. When program first started if they were playing pool and they’d miss a few shots they’d throw a pool cue or just quit altogether. Now they’re learning about sportsmanship and shaking hands. It’s also nice to have 1-1 time with them; some kids need some positive adult role models and I can be that guy. Why you think the YWCA and/or this program is important in the community? We’re all different and we all make mistakes; nobody’s perfect but overall, I’m hoping this program will demonstrate to just be a good person and be successful, however you define ‘success’. It’s not about how much money you have, it’s what you value and it’s important to practice gratitude. I just hope that some of my words and programs they’ll remember and it will resonate with them and they’ll think back and remember their experiences here and be decent, respectful humans. The program is definitely working we get lots of feedback from parents and say ‘we’ve been working on this for YEARS and even after one session, it’s sunk in/improved’. Having someone willing to chat with the youth, cheer them on, play games with them, get involved, get right in there and play sports and games with them – I can connect better and build trust by engaging with them. The Y can provide these opportunities and has the right team of people that can make it happen. What’s your favourite thing about your job? Years ago, I worked with a guy and overheard him say ‘Doesn’t feel like work for me here, I love my job.’ At that time I didn’t understand how your day couldn’t feel so long. In this job, there’s no bad days, I don’t run out of things to do, the days fly by and I find myself putting in extra time because I’m so passionate about it and about improving the program. I really enjoy what I do and the kids are great. They join on day one and are nervous and I think 100% of the time kids enjoy themselves and want to come here. I love how excited they get and the smiles on their faces with the new experiences they get to have. My dad used to take us hiking and being able to now share those types of experiences with kids – it’s not just a hike. What would the community be like without this program? These youth programs provide kids with experience and opportunities they otherwise may not have and if they’re busy in a sport, volunteering, going on outings, the chances of them getting into trouble are lower. They’re meeting peers and making new friends. It’s also a free program which makes it more accessible, and kids get to try all kinds of activities and build skills. We have lots of sessions around healthy relationships, consent, identifying types of violence and abuse. Kids wonder why we’re talking about it and we discuss statistics about violence in the NWT and Canada, and we hope what we talk about will guide boys in the right direction. say, why are we talking about this? Give them stats about violence in NWT/Canada. Men or boys are more violent and hope what we are talking about will guide them in the right direction and that they make good choices. We talk about impacts of bullying on people, and we see positive behavioural changes or hear about them parents – we try to emphasize that the good behaviour you exhibit in this program is how you should act everywhere.

How long have you worked for YWCA NWT? Two years as the coordinator, but I’ve been off 1.5 years maternity leave so nearly four years. Why do you work for YWCA NWT? The team is amazing and I like making an impact on society, and youth. You see that you’re making a difference every day. I love coming to work. I don’t think I’ve ever said that about a job. It’s a supportive network of staff you have. Brendan (Youth Team Lead) is very supportive, I also feel comfortable going to Hawa anytime (Executive Director). Everybody in the Y is so friendly and nice and supportive. Tell us about what you do as GirlSpace Coordinator? There’s a lot of program planning, scheduling activities, going to schools and doing program in school, running the after-school program. Each week is a different topic. We recently started ‘Women in the Workforce’ for youth to learn about different career paths. We talk about healthy relationships, self-esteem, and do lots of activities like go swimming, do moccasin workshops, go see northern lights, cake decorating class, make medicine bags. Wintertime we go dog sledding, snowshoeing, go to BDene Adventures. Why do you think the YWCA is important in the community? GirlSpace is the only program in town that’s doing different topics throughout life. It’s teaching youth different skills and the organization as a whole supports families, youth, and women and that’s really needed in the North. How does your work impact the people you work with? The youth are bettering themselves and building their self-esteem; they’re working with others and they want to be here. Even the older youth up to age 16 – they keep coming back because they enjoy the program and it’s having a positive effect on them. What’s your favourite thing about your job? All the crafts – learning how to sew, my beaver mitts have improved over the years. Seeing the youth grow – I’ve been off this past year on maternity and returning, I’ve seen them grow more into who they are, they’re more comfortable and have more confidence. They can come here and joke around and at the end of the day they know I’m here for them. Every day. What would the community be like without the program? I think there would be a lot of bored youth. When they come here, they’re so happy to be here. I’d be worried what they would be doing if they weren’t in this program.

Project Child Recovery is for children and youth who have witnessed or experienced trauma. This encompasses issues such as family violence, substance abuse, grief and loss, and bullying. Project Child Recovery offers them a safe place to explore and celebrate the fact that they are one-of-a-kind. Project Child Recovery gives children and youth a voice. Lessons are centered on emotional intelligence, self-worth, family dynamics, and healthy relationships. Participants are encouraged to talk about their feelings, explore healthy coping strategies, discover a support system, develop a safety plan and enhance their self-esteem. Every session is facilitated by a professional and is designed to increase the child or teen's sense of belonging and trust and can include group sessions, outings and more. ​ Dudes Club is a fun, free empowerment and leadership program for youth in-school and after-school program for boys, and those who identify as boys, from ages 8-14. This program focuses on creating strong and resilient young leaders in our community. This proactive program promotes healthy coping strategies for children and youth, focuses on creating strong and resilient young leaders by creating a safe place for youth to explore their passions and gifts while ensuring youth have access to services, support, and positive role models.