NEWS RELEASE
NEW PATH YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES
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Thanks to a $50,000 RBC Foundation grant, a partnership between New Path Youth and Family Services (New Path) and the Gilbert Centre will support parents, families, friends, and communities when a youth comes out as queer, transgender, non-binary, or questioning.
"It’s so important for us to support the mental health needs of parents, families, friends and allies of youth who are experiencing challenges with coming out or issues around being queer or transgender,” says Elizabeth McKeeman, CEO of New Path Youth and Family Services.
“Research shows that family support increases mental health, results in better school outcomes and greatly reduces the possibility of self-harm and suicide. We are allies and proudly support the work of the Gilbert Centre within the 2S-LGBTQ+ communities.”
The opportunity that RBC Foundation is providing through this grant will help New Path, the lead agency for youth and family mental health in Simcoe County, work in partnership with the Gilbert Centre. When a youth comes out, the whole family is recognized as being in transition.
“Supporting queer, transgender, non-binary, or questioning youth and transitioning families increases the family's ability to stay together and to develop their understanding and capacity to advocate for their youth,” says Ali Tuckey, Family and Youth Program Manager at the Gilbert Centre. “Through this partnership, parents will have access to gender affirming mental health supports and learn what supports are available to them and their youth through New Path, the Gilbert Centre, and other local social service agencies.”
Right now, in Simcoe County there is no specific, free, and specialized counselling option for parents and families who are going through this experience. This collaboration is designed to address this gap.
RBC Foundation is supporting New Path and the Gilbert Centre as they continue their support for youth as part of the RBC Future Launch program.
“Only 1 in 5 youth have access to the mental health support they need.” says Randy Tredenick, RBC Regional Vice-President for Barrie and Area. “What we love about this program is that LGBTQ+ youth and their families are directed to the right support and resources when they need them most. It is just one of the ways we are helping youth prepare for their future.”
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