Strength program celebrates 10 years of helping young Islanders 

For the last decade, the province’s Strength Program has been helping hundreds of Island youth with mental health and addictions challenges to regain their lives.

The Strength Program offers a range of programming and supports, both residential and day treatment, for Island youth aged 15-24 and their families. The program includes up to 16 weeks of residential care and 24 weeks of follow up aftercare using a holistic approach and helping youth transition back into community living.   

“The youth who come to our program are ready to make changes and are looking for  support and treatment to do that,” said Jayelee Grady, youth mental health & addiction services program manager. “In many cases they have hit a point where outpatient treatment is not enough, but they are not at a point where they require acute care or hospitalization. We are here to help them improve their mental health, overcome addictions, develop healthy life skills and set new goals.”

The Strength Program has supported 700 Island youth over the last ten years.

The program’s focus on reintegrating youth into the community is worth celebrating and ties closely to the community-first philosophy supporting the mental health and addiction revitalization planning that is currently underway.  

“It is extremely beneficial to help these youth gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to reintegrate into their communities, close to their support systems. The success of the Strength program is a great example of why this works. The program has helped many young Islanders, and their families throughout recovery and beyond to lead healthy, balanced lifestyles.” 

- Health and Wellness Minister James Aylward

Media contact:
Samantha Hughes
Senior Communications Officer
Health and Wellness
(902) 368-5610