NEWS RELEASE
WOMEN AND CHILDREN’S SHELTER OF BARRIE
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The Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie will host its first in-person event created for advocates of change in Simcoe County.
Violence Stops With You(th) is a one-day educational training workshop created for youth ages 12 to 18.
This free event will feature a presentation on relationship dynamics and violence. This educational experience will support youth in understanding and identifying the dynamics that create both healthy and unhealthy relationships. It aims to educate on the impacts and scope of intimate partner violence on both a personal and societal level. The Violence Prevention Program is a community-based outreach and awareness initiative supporting youth in the Barrie and surrounding area.
Through interactive activities and prizes, the symposium will provide youth a safe, non-judgmental environment where they feel empowered to share their thoughts and ideas, and express feelings. Each session will provide lunch and each registrant will receive a certificate of participation.
In 2019, the Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie received a $330,000 Grow Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to offer educational opportunities for youth that shift the ingrained systemic attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence and discrimination in our communities. By fostering beliefs that support the development of healthy social behaviours and relationships, we aim to build a healthier, safer society for everyone.
Community partners and representatives will be on site to connect and share information and resources targeted to support youth in various capacities. There will be an opportunity for each session to have a vendor “walk and talk” for youth to learn more about what programs and services are available to them.
The Youth Symposium is on Saturday, May 14, at Georgian College in a two-part session. The first session is aimed for youth ages 12 to 14 and is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The second session is aimed at youth ages 15 to 18 and is from 1 to 4 p.m. Registration is required and can be found at barrieshelter.com/events or Eventbrite. Space is limited.
Equipping youth with strategies and creating opportunities to be part of advocating for social justice will help end violence and abuse in our community.
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