Youth Programs
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The 196 & The 196+
The 196 and The 196+ programs serve students in grades 6 to 9, with the goal of empowering youth experiencing poverty to pursue post-secondary education after high school. A partnership between Sheltr Canada and local educational institutions, these programs foster positive attitudes toward learning and help young people see education as an achievable goal.
The 196 (Grades 6-8)
Youth in grades 6 to 8 receive:
Healthy afterschool snacks and nutritious hot meals
Cooking & gardening classes (Mini Chefs & Sprouts)
Homework help and tutoring
A strong recreational component focused on mental and physical well-being
The program is youth-led and strength-based, emphasizing personal growth and wellness in all activities.
The 196+ (Grade 9)
Designed to support the transition between middle and high school, The 196+ helps students:
Earn volunteer hours required for high school
Build employability skills such as food safety certificates and resume development
Receive homework support
Enjoy healthy snacks and nutritious hot meals
We are grateful to the Hamilton Community Foundation for supporting these programs.
Interested in joining The 196 or The 196+?
Referrals are always welcome from parents, teachers, or students. Contact Adalia at 905-528-4211 ext 1126.
Youth Wellness Programming: Mini Chefs
In January 2018, Sheltr Canada launched the Mini Chefs program to improve youth food knowledge, cooking skills, and healthy habits. Funded initially by the Edith H. Turner Foundation Fund, a Youth Wellness Worker leads the program, guiding participants through:
Planning, preparing, cooking, and serving meals
Hands-on lessons in food literacy, nutrition, and healthy eating
The goal is to enhance the health and wellness of youth in our community while teaching vital life skills related to food security and nutrition.
Youth Afterschool Meal Program
Launched in 2016, our Afterschool Meal Program uses a strengths-based, youth-led approach to improve community food security. The program provides:
Bagged lunches for youth
A drop-in hot meal program serving up to 85 children and youth daily
Special workshops and activities for healthy eating, including sessions for parents
Our mission is to increase access to nutritious food and promote better health outcomes for children, youth, and families in the community.
Funding for youth programs comes from community donations and partners including the Hamilton Community Foundation’s ABACUS Fund, Mischa Weisz Foundation, Children’s Fund (CHML), City of Hamilton’s City Enrichment Fund, and TC Energy.
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