At PFY our mission is to empower young people and provide them with the support, opportunities, and guidance they need to thrive. Our programs and initiatives have a meaningful impact, thanks largely to the dedication and expertise of our staff. However, volunteers also contribute valuable support, bringing experience, compassion, and commitment to enhancing our efforts.
Among those who contribute to our programs, teachers play a particularly invaluable role. Teachers help implement our initiatives directly within schools, integrating our programs into their work with students. They help in the coordination and delivery of school-based programs, specifically Sport3, Youth in Action for Mental Health (YAMH), and Ring-a-Bell.
Teachers: Champions of Youth Within the Classroom
Teachers already dedicate their careers to supporting young people, and their involvement with Partners for Youth allows them to expand that impact in new, meaningful ways:
- Mentorship and Guidance – Many of the young people we serve benefit from strong, positive role models. Teachers understand how to build trust and encourage growth, making them natural mentors for youth navigating challenges.
- Advocacy for Youth Well-Being – Teachers witness firsthand the barriers young people face, from mental health struggles to social inequities. By implementing our programs, they help advocate for systemic changes that support youth development and resilience.
- Creating Safe and Supportive Spaces – Many of our initiatives, like DOTS NB and PFY Connect, focus on providing youth with safe spaces for expression and support. Teachers bring a natural ability to create environments where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
- Supporting Key School-Based Initiatives – Teachers play a vital role in delivering several of our key programs. The Ring-a-Bell Campaign brings together students, educators, and elected officials for a week-long series of activities and discussions on mental health, with resources provided to school staff. Youth in Action for Mental Health (YAMH) engages students in a peer-based leadership model, fostering mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and empowering youth to create mental health initiatives in their schools. Sport3 promotes leadership, conflict resolution, and relationship building through a curriculum-based model that uses physical activity as a catalyst for discussion and personal growth.
The Ripple Effect of Their Involvement
While our staff lead the way in delivering high-quality programs for youth and youth at risk, the contributions of teachers help to strengthen and expand our impact. Their role in integrating our programs into the school environment ensures that youth receive the necessary support in a familiar and structured setting.
At Partners for Youth, we recognize and appreciate the role that teachers play in our success across the province. Whether they are guiding a young person through a tough time, implementing mental health initiatives, or creating inclusive learning spaces, their efforts help reinforce our mission.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the teachers and volunteers who support Partners for Youth. Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to young people help create a positive and lasting impact. Whether in the classroom, through mentorship, or by fostering safe spaces, your efforts make a real difference in the lives of the youth we serve. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission to empower and support young people.
