YMCA Alternative Suspension Program

Imagine being 15 years old, feeling rejected, isolated, and weighed down by disappointment after a school suspension. For too many students in our community, this is a reality—one misstep can lead to closed doors and lost opportunities.

But what if a suspension could become a turning point? At YMCA Northumberland, the Alternative Suspension Program turns moments of crisis into opportunities for growth, empowering at-risk youth to reclaim their future.

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Part of a National & International Program

Founded in Montreal several decades ago, the program has expanded across Canada and internationally as well. Since 2021, our Alternative Suspension Program in Northumberland has helped students aged 12-17 address the root causes of their suspensions and gain the tools they need to succeed. The program creates a supportive environment where students:

Develop critical social skills
Build autonomy
Receive guidance to re-engage with their education

In partnership with 8 area schools and two local school boards, we customize plans to meet each student’s unique needs. Our trained educators work closely with parents, guardians, and schools, maintaining daily communication to ensure a seamless process.

The Impact is clear!

63% improved their academic engagement
85% gained a deeper understanding of their suspension
100% felt ready to return to school

This isn’t just about improving behavior—it’s about giving students the confidence and skills to thrive.

“When my daughter was suspended, we both felt lost. But what started as punishment became a phenomenal opportunity. By the end of her suspension, she returned to school happier, stronger, and more self-assured than I had seen her in a very long time. For our family, this program was a lifeline.”
— A Grateful Parent

Accomplishments to date!

72 students and their families supported since 2021 in Northumberland
Helping at-risk youth avoid the cycle of repeated suspensions and potential dropout
Providing a pathway to academic success and personal growth

But we can’t do it alone.

To keep transforming lives, we need your help. Scotiabank currently supports 25% of the program’s costs, but additional funding is essential to sustain operations into 2025.

Without your support, this vital program could close its doors to future students.

You can make a difference. Help us turn moments of crisis into opportunities for growth.