This summer, the John Howard Society of Southeastern New Brunswick (JHS SENB) launched the Early Learning Motivational (ELM) Program, an initiative supported by the City of Moncton through its Major and Multi-Year Grant. Designed for youth and families around the Community Hub on Joyce Avenue in the Beechwood community, the program offered a safe, welcoming space for young people to learn, connect, and grow.
A Program with Purpose
At its core, the ELM Program helps youth explore boundaries, develop empathy, and build meaningful relationships. The program’s main objective is to nurture self-esteem and personal strengths, giving young people the tools to create brighter futures. Specific goals included:
- Learning to recognize and express emotions in healthy ways.
- Understanding the importance of boundaries and limits in relationships and community life.
- Building empathy as a foundation for strong connections and personal happiness.
- Creating positive values and beliefs that strengthen confidence and self-worth.
The program primarily engaged youth living between Elmwood and McLaughlin, within a short distance of the Community Hub on Joyce.
The Early Learning Motivational Program is designed to make a lasting impact in Moncton by combining education, recreation, and community engagement. Through skill-building workshops and educational activities, youth develop valuable life skills, enhance their resilience, and prepare for future success. Recreational opportunities, such as sports, arts, crafts, and outdoor play, promote physical health, creativity, and social interaction, while also helping to mitigate summer learning loss. By connecting participants with local resources, businesses, and mentors, the program strengthens community ties and fosters civic engagement. Together, these elements create a supportive environment where youth can grow, families feel connected, and the broader Moncton community becomes stronger and more inclusive.
Community Support and Mentorship
A unique feature of the program was the involvement of Motivators, community-minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who stepped in as role models. Each week, a Motivator provided support and dedicated time to inspire the youth through conversations, activities, and mentorship.
Over the 6-week program, participants had the opportunity to meet with local leaders and organizations, including:
- Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Member of Parliament for Moncton–Dieppe–Riverview, who inspired children with her genuine care and encouragement.
- Admiral Security and Investigations, which provided uniforms, badges, and hats while teaching the importance of community pride and safety.
- Branco MGT brought construction equipment for the youth to sit in and try out. They also attended the BBQ and provided “swag” for the kids.
- MacDonald Buick GMC Cadillac donated to the water splash day event of the ELM program
- Madison Rubin, Keller Williams Capital Realty, who shared insights into real estate and inspired youth to dream big.
- Jocelyn Clements, RE/MAX Quality Real Estate Inc., who shared some real estate knowledge and insights
- Omista Credit Union funded the graduation celebration for the youth and joined us in attending the event.
These contributions, alongside generous financial support, helped provide supplies, snacks, weekly community barbecues, and a graduation celebration to mark the program’s close.
Looking Ahead
The John Howard Society of Southeastern New Brunswick is confident in the ELM Program’s potential to become a sustainable and impactful community initiative. The summer pilot demonstrated that with the right support, young people can thrive when given opportunities to learn, play, and connect with positive role models. While the ELM Program was launched as a summer pilot, JHS SENB’s long-term vision is to expand it into a year-round initiative that provides ongoing opportunities for learning, recreation, and mentorship.
This program was made possible through funding from the City of Moncton’s Major and Multi-Year Grant.
For more information on how to support our work, please contact: Executive Director,
Jo-Ann Brine at ed@johnhowardsenb.com
OR
For more information on this story, please contact: Fund Development & Communications Manager, Mariam Owoeye at mowoeye@johnhowardsenb.com