About The St. Lawrence Youth Association
The St. Lawrence Youth Association is a non-profit charitable organization, funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
About The Association
Established in 1974 in Kingston, Ontario, St. Lawrence Youth Association (SLYA) provides a continuum of youth justice services across both custodial and community settings. In accordance with Ontario legislation and best practices, SLYA works alongside young people and their families to provide support, care, and opportunities for positive change. SLYA’s Custody Services department includes two custody facilities—Sundance (secure custody) and Beacon Harbour (open custody)—each supported by on-site medical and clinical services, and the Case Management/Reintegration program. In addition, SLYA’s Bailiff program supports Custody Services by providing transportation for youth throughout Ontario. SLYA’s Community Services department delivers a range of community-based programs, including Community Support Services, the Intensive Support & Supervision Program, the Specialized Treatment Program, and the Youth Justice Family Worker program. Community Support Services are individualized, evidence-based programs that address youth needs to promote successful community integration.
Our Vision | Notre Vision
We envision a future where every young person experiences hope, feels a deep sense of dignity and personal agency, and knows they truly belong.
On their journey, SLYA will be a place where differences are respected, voices are heard, and every individual is empowered to grow, contribute, and lead with confidence.
Nous envisageons un avenir où chaque jeune ressent de l’espoir, éprouve un profond sentiment de dignité et d’autonomie personnelle, et se sent pleinement à sa place
Tout au long de leur parcours, SLYA sera un milieu où les différences sont respectées, où les voix sont entendues, et où chaque personne est encouragée à grandir, à contribuer et à diriger avec confiance.
Our Mission | Notre Mission
Our mission is to empower youth by equipping them with the tools, insight, and support they need to reimagine their futures and contribute to safer communities. We disrupt cycles of trauma and reoffending with programs grounded in youth-centred and evidence-based principles.
Notre mission est d’autonomiser les jeunes personnes en leur fournissant les outils, la compréhension et le soutien dont ils ont besoin pour réimaginer leur avenir et contribuer à des communautés plus sûres. Nous brisons les cycles de traumatismes et de récidive grâce à des programmes ancrés dans des principes centrés sur les jeunes et fondés sur des données probantes.
Our Values | Nos Valeurs
In support of SLYA’s Mission and Vision, we stand by the following organizational values that ground our work:
Inclusivity: We foster psychologically safe spaces where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected.
Hope: We believe that positive change is possible for every young person, family, and community.
Resiliency: We embrace continuous learning, innovation, and adaptability for growth and improvement.
Connections: We build strategic partnerships in community with others to address shared priorities.
Impact: We are accountable for meaningful, culturally responsive programs and services that create real impact.
Afin de soutenir la mission et la vision d’avenir de SLYA, notre travail s’appuie sur les valeurs organisationnelles suivantes :
Inclusivité: Nous cultivons des espaces psychologiquement sécuritaires où chaque personne se sent valorisée, entendue et respectée.
Espoir: Nous croyons qu’un changement positif est possible pour chaque jeune, chaque famille et chaque communauté.
Résilience: Nous valorisons l’apprentissage continu, l’innovation et l’adaptabilité comme moteurs de croissance et d’amélioration.
Liens: Nous établissons des partenariats stratégiques au sein de la communauté afin de travailler collectivement à l’avancement de priorités communes.
Impact: Nous nous engageons à offrir des programmes et des services pertinents, adaptés sur le plan culturel et porteurs d’un impact réel.
Strategic Plan
our Team
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors includes a committee structure. It is responsible for hiring the Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible to the Board of Directors for programming and service delivery
Thank You for Your Support
Thank you to United Way KFL&A, for their donation and ongoing support to strengthen our Specialized Treatment Program, enabling us to provide tailored interventions for youth with concerning sexual behaviors. This partnership helps create safer environments, supports positive behavioral change, and promotes healthier communities for everyone.
Thank you to the Community Foundation of Kingston & Area for their donation. St. Lawrence Youth Association is deeply grateful for their generous funding, which made the creation of the sensory space at Sundance possible. This calming and therapeutic environment will provide youth with a safe space to regulate emotions, reduce stress, and build resilience, enhancing their overall well-being.
