A partnership between New Path Youth & Family Services (New Path) and Guitars to Kids got guitars and related equipment into the hands of youth in the New Path Live-In Treatment Services (LITS) program.
“I’ve been working with youth in the LITS program for over 13 years. In that time, I’ve seen first-hand that playing, practicing and learning an instrument is a game changer for youth. It allows them to be themselves, gives them an emotional outlet, and enables relationships to develop and flourish,” says Scott Stratton, Child and Youth Worker at New Path. “It’s such a positive way for youth to express themselves.”
The LITS program works intensively with youth 12-18 years of age and their families who are experiencing social, emotional and behavioural problems and require and intensive 24 hours therapeutic setting.
“We’ve seen the positive effects that learning to play instruments has on the mental health of youth at New Path’s Live-In Treatment. Scott has done an amazing job teaching them how to play instruments and write songs,” says Gord Bain, Manager of Clinical Services at New Path. “The donation of guitars will allow for Scott to share this experience with even more youth in the future. We are so appreciative of this incredible donation.”
Guitars to Kids is a non-profit organization that collects and refurbishes used guitars and provides them free-of-change to youth in the Simcoe Muskoka Region. The program provides youth, who may not otherwise have the chance, with the opportunity for personal and cognitive development through learning music.
“Making this donation to New Path seemed like a perfect fit for our program. We feel these guitars have found a good home with the team at New Path and that the youth will benefit greatly from having them available,” says Marcy Baldry, Executive Director and Volunteer of Guitars to Kids.
1 in 5 Canadian children and youth has a diagnosable mental health challenges and early intervention and treatment is critical. In 2019 alone, 2,637 children, youth and their families came to New Path for mental health support in communities throughout Simcoe County. New Path is committed to ensuring that all children, youth and their families in need of mental health supports can access them in-person, by-phone and online. If you or a loved one need mental health supports, know you are not alone. Call us today 705.725.7656 or 1.866.566.7656 and a counsellor will contact you to book an appointment.
About Guitars to Kids
Guitars to Kids is a non-profit organization that collects and refurbishes used guitars and provides them free-of-charge to youth in the Simcoe Muskoka Region. To learn more about the program visit: www.guitarstokids.com
About New Path Youth & Family Services
New Path Youth & Family Services of Simcoe County is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization. We are an accredited children’s mental health agency providing a range of innovative and timely services for children, youth and their families. We are the Lead Agency for children’s mental health in Simcoe with the goal of enhancing the experience and outcomes of children, youth and their families seeking assistance with mental health and wellness.
To learn more about New Path Youth and Family Services, to donate, or get involved please visit www.newpath.ca, follow us on social media Facebook: New Path Youth & Family Services Twitter: @NewPathYFS Instagram: @NewPathYFS or sign up for our TrailSigns Newsletter
Media Contact
Dominika Zapolnik, Communications Manager
New Path Youth and Family Services
Phone: 705-627-3067
Email: dzapolnik@newpath.ca
Facebook: New Path Youth & Family Services
Twitter: @NewPathYFS
Marcy Baldry, Executive Director, Volunteer
Guitars to Kids guitarstokids@gmail.com