Joanna Conrad

11/21/2025

Youth Advisory Committee Applications Are NOW OPEN!

Are you 14–17 and want your voice heard? Want to help shape programs that actually matter to young people across Windsor–Essex?

Join Youth Diversion’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) — where real youth voices lead real change.

As a YAC member, you’ll:
✔ Share ideas and honest feedback
✔ Work on youth-driven projects & events
✔ Build leadership + teamwork skills
✔ Represent the voices of youth in our community
✔ Earn volunteer hours
✔ Make a legit impact

We meet once a month for 1.5–2 hours — easy, meaningful, and fun.

Ready to join? Apply now:
https://forms.gle/cy3JBmT8MGSWrXSF7

Tag someone who should be on YAC with you!

11/21/2025

Congratulations to Chief Jason Bellaire on his retirement.
Beyond his leadership in policing, he served as a valued board member and strong supporter of Youth Diversion’s mission.
Thank you, Chief, for your unwavering dedication to our youth, our programming, and our community.
Wishing you happiness and fulfilment in the years ahead!

11/17/2025

Relationships Matter – Registration Now Open!
A 4-session program for young men (16+) with intellectual disabilities to learn about friendships, communication, boundaries, dating, and staying safe online & in the community.

📅 Nov 27, Dec 4, 11, 18
🕒 5:15–6:45 PM
📍 Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre, Leamington
💲 $100 (includes bonus refresher session)

Register: 519-919-3235 or sszcyrek@essexcountydiversion.com

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7zPDGse1j-2w-HEMdb91PuGYIlnCvewbXAQ8OXhSWiasbAw/viewform

Spaces limited — secure your spot!

11/14/2025

🌟 Relationships Matter: Building Healthy Connections 🌟

Join us for a 4-session series designed for males 16+ with disabilities to explore topics like:
💬 Communication & Appropriateness
❤️ Consent, Boundaries & Healthy Relationships
🌐 Internet & Community Safety
💪 Confidence & Self-Esteem

🗓️ Dates: Nov 27, Dec 4, 11, 18
🕔 Time: 5:15–6:45PM
📍 Location: Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre
💲 Cost: $100 for 4 Sessions (includes 1 Refresher Session)

✨ Limited spaces available — register now to reserve your spot!
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7zPDGse1j-2w-HEMdb91PuGYIlnCvewbXAQ8OXhSWiasbAw/viewform?usp=send_form

In partnership with Lola’s Round Table and generously sponsored by Our Friends Place.

11/14/2025

11/04/2025

SKILLS SQUAD is BACK!

A fun, hands-on experience where kids build confidence, communication, and smart decision-making — all while having fun!

- Social skills games
- Teamwork & communication challenges
- Confidence-building activities
- Snack provided
- Fun & friendships!

📍 Essex Sports Complex
🕔 5:00–6:30 PM
📅 Tuesdays: Nov 26, Dec 3, 10 & 17, 2025
👧 Ages 7–11
💲 $50 for all 4 sessions

Spots are limited — join the squad today!

Register now:[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftNrvUtAqzq6U-yNrQAs2t6C3TP4B3z36J9S--vWVa9IO6UA/viewform](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftNrvUtAqzq6U-yNrQAs2t6C3TP4B3z36J9S--vWVa9IO6UA/viewform)

11/04/2025

11/04/2025

10/30/2025

Competence is the antidote to anxiety. 🌱

I sat down with the Anchored Minds Podcast to talk about youth mental health, the impact of digital life, and how families, schools, and communities can build resilience together.

🎙 Episode coming soon — stay tuned!

A huge thank you to for having me on.

10/16/2025

Youth Gambling Online: The Hidden Risk

Did you know children as young as 11 are being exposed to gambling?
Not in casinos — but online.

Loot boxes and skins in video games 🎮
In-app “mini-games” that look like slot machines 🎰
Sports betting ads popping up on social media 🏈

What feels like “just for fun” can have serious impacts:
⚠️ Kids can rack up charges without realizing it (many times on parent’s credit cards).
⚠️ The dopamine rush is the same as adult gambling.
⚠️ Early exposure increases the chance of lifelong gambling problems.

Parents — here’s what you can do:
✔️ Ask your child if they’ve seen gambling-style ads or games.
✔️ Explain how these games are designed to keep them hooked.
✔️ Remind them: “easy wins” online often lead to bigger losses.

Talking about it early can help protect your child’s future.

10/09/2025

We’d love your feedback! It helps us see the difference our programs are making for your child and family, and it guides us as we grow. Your answers are confidential and only used to make our services better and to support future funding. Share your email at the end for a chance to win a $50 gift ...

09/26/2025

Looking for something fun AND meaningful for your child this PA Day?
Join us for a full-day camp filled with friendship, activities, and skill-building to help kids:
✔️ Communicate & listen with confidence
✔️ Solve problems & handle conflict positively
✔️ Feel comfortable in social situations
✔️ Work together as a team

🍴 Lunch included
🎁 Fun Youth Diversion swag
🤝 New friendships & positive experiences

📅 Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Location: Nature Farms Fresh Rec Centre, Leamington
💲 Cost: $50 per camper

Spots are limited – register today!
👉 https://forms.gle/9k3hqcpSgnUHkGjQA

📞 For questions, contact us at 519-253-3340 or acsele@essexcountydiversion.com

💬 Tag a parent friend who might be interested!