SERVICES TO MALE & FEMALE YOUTH

WORKING WITH YOUTH IS KEY TO THE PREVENTION AND ERADICATION OF RELATIONSHIP ABUSE.

WE MUST SUPPORT FEMALE YOUTH IN UNDERSTANDING:

• Equality
• Healthy relationships and red flags
• Consent and boundaries
• self-worth and self-esteem
• Exploration of negative core beliefs
• Online safety and exploitation

WE MUST SUPPORT MALE YOUTH IN UNDERSTANDING:

• Equality
• Healthy relationships 
• Positve masculinity
• Coping with emotions 
• Self-esteem and support systems

SERVICES FOR YOUTH FEMALE OR IDENTIFYING AS FEMALE 

• Youth identifying as female, aged 16 and over, may independently enter the shelter without their mothers.
• Durham Region schools may request that Bethesda House facilitate Finding Our Voices program for youth identifying as female, to be held within their school.

FINDING OUR VOICES PROGRAM OVERVIEW

FInding our Voices is a 6-week program designed for females aged 8 to 18 facing challenges in mainstream systems, such as an unhealthy home environment, bullying issues, risk of exploitation, identified to be in an unhealthy relationship, or involvement with the Children's Aid Society. Selected by school professionals, participants engage in discussions facilitated by Bethesda House's Child and Youth Worker and Outreach Counsellor, supported by school staff when available. Group sizes range from 4 to 10, grouped by age.

The program addresses females youth at risk and aims to increase positve self-image, safety, and healthy relationships. Sessions, lasting 1 to 1.25 hours, cover essential topics:

1. Introduction Week: Participants introduce themselves, set ground rules, discuss confidentiality, and explore the program's purpose.



2. Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships: Topics include various relationships, a PowerPoint presentation on healthy vs unhealthy dynamics, and interactive activities.




3. The Cycle of Abuse and Human Trafficking: Covers abuse types, the cycle of abuse, power and control wheel, human trafficking awareness, grooming, expolitation, and red flags.




4. Internet Safety and Consent: Discusses participants' online presence, risks, internet bullying, and emphasizes the importance of consent through discussions and videos.




5. Mental Health and Self-Esteem: Explores mental health, positive/negative traits, self-esteem factors, and provides exercises for improvement.




6. My Social Networks: Discusses social networks, completing a worksheet, reviewing previous topics, and offering resources for future needs.

At the end of the program, participants receive feedback surveys, contact information for Bethesda House professionals, and a list of resources for ongoing support.

SERVICES FOR YOUTH MALE OR IDENTIFYING AS MALE 

• Youth identifying as male may enter the shelter with their mothers with no age restriction, as long as they are dependent upon their mother.
• Durham Region schools may request that Bethesda House facilitate our Guys for Change program for groups of youth who identify as male, to be held within their school.
• Schools and community agencies may request that youth in their programs who identify as male to be considered for the Guys for Change program run by Bethesda House each summer.

GUYS FOR CHANGE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Guys for Change is a 6-week program designed for males aged 8 to 18 facing challenges in mainstream systems, such as an unhealthy home environment, bullying issues, or involvement with the Children's Aid Society. Selected by school professionals, participants engage in discussions facilitated by Bethesda House's Child and Youth Worker and Outreach Counsellor, supported by school staff when available. Group sizes range from 4 to 10, grouped by age.

The program is based on Tony Porter's "Man Box Theory," addressing societal pressures on masculinity. Sessions, lasting 1 to 1.25 hours, cover essential topics:

1. Introduction Week: Participants introduce themselves, set ground rules, discuss confidentiality, and explore the program's purpose.




2. Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships: Topics include various relationships, a PowerPoint presentation on healthy vs unhealthy dynamics, and interactive activities.




3. The Cycle of Abuse and Human Trafficking: Covers abuse types, the cycle of abuse, power and control wheel, human trafficking awareness, and red flags.




4. Internet Safety and Consent: Discusses participants' online presence, risks, internet bullying, and emphasizes the importance of consent through discussions and videos.




5. Mental Health and Self-Esteem: Explores mental health, positive/negative traits, self-esteem factors, and provides exercises for improvement.




6. My Social Networks: Discusses social networks, completing a worksheet, reviewing previous topics, and offering resources for future needs.

At the end of the program, participants receive feedback surveys, contact information for Bethesda House professionals, and a list of resources for ongoing support.

Agencies identifying male and female youth fitting the target population criteria may submit a request to Bethesda House to facilitate Guys For Change or Finding our Voices program for those clients by contacting: