Over 100 Years of Investing in the Next Generation
YMCA South & Mid Canterbury has been Investing in the Next Generation across our region for over 100 years – check out our centenary book for the whole amazing journey!
Underpinning all our work are the YMCA values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility. We’re a not-for-profit organisation, whose programmes and services – provided at no or minimal cost to participants – impact the lives of in excess of 6000 people every year across our region. Check out our 2020/21 Annual Report.
We were named the 2016 SC Business Excellence Award Community Organisation Category Winner and a finalist again in 2018, in recognition of the difference we make in our community.
“Because the YMCA is an iconic, internationally recognised brand, people often have an idea of what we do locally. But we invite you to re-think what you may know about YMCA South & Mid Canterbury.”
Because the YMCA is an iconic, internationally recognised brand, people often have an idea of what we do locally. But we invite you to re-think what you may know about YMCA South & Mid Canterbury.
Think education.
We have awarded a record number of NCEA Level 1 and 2 and other national qualifications to participants in our Y•Skills Youth Guarantee programme – impressive, considering these are learners who had disengaged from mainstream education. That’s because we develop our learners’ belief in their ability to succeed.
In our Y•Skills for Life programme, we work with people age 16-64 for whom reading, writing and maths is a real challenge. We do similar work with employers to upskill their employees through our Y•Skills for Work workplace literacy and numeracy programme. Without these basic skills, many doors in life are closed – we help to open them.
“In accordance with section 234B of the Education Act 1989, The National Council of YMCA’s of NZ has no known material conflicts of interest of any of the governing members of the establishment”.
Educational programmes are delivered under sub-contracted agreement with the National Council of YMCAs of New Zealand (NZQA Registered PTE).
Think support-to-employment services.
We help get beneficiaries back to work through our Drive2Work programme. We identify and
address the barriers that prevent them from being employed, and support them into permanent sustainable employment. We also help people gain their full car driver’s licence (an important step toward employability) through our Driving School.
Think community and youth development.
We call it ‘developing the potential in young people’. Our Play, Active Recreation and Sport, Archery and Bubble Football programmes offer fun, confidence-building activities in a safe, supportive environment.
Through our Resiliency Toolkit we’re working ‘at the top of the cliff’ with 14-18-year-olds in schools across the region to build important life skills in stress management, decision-making around alcohol and drugs, healthy relationships, cybersafety, and peer mentoring — our goal is preventing them from becoming ‘at risk’.
We also provide one-on-one support to at-risk youth through our Youth Mentoring service in Timaru.
We have a staff of 34 incredibly dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to make a difference to so many. We’re your YMCA. Still here after more than 100 years. Still investing in the next generation.
