It was a beautiful day for golf lovers to come out and enjoy the Brighter Future Golf Tournament fundraiser that was held at The Legends Golf Club in Warman on Friday, September 15th.
Sixty participants came out to enjoy the amazing day with an 18 hole ‘best ball’ round of golf which started at 1pm. Another thirty people joined for the Italian dinner provided at the Legends followed with a silent auction and banquet, as well as live entertainment provided by local talent Kris Klyne.
All proceeds for the tournament went towards keeping mental health programs for youth in the Saskatoon and Martensville community free and accessible; Possibilities Recovery Center and Martensville Youth Connection (MYC).
Tanner Perratt, Founder and Executive Director of Possibilities Recovery Center started the evening thanking their sponsors. “Events like these would not have been possible without major support from these businesses who make doing the work we do possible.”
Their Premiere Sponsor for the event was Saskatoon Media Group who owns and operates three Saskatchewan radio stations; 92.9 The Bull; 98COOL; and Legendary Country 600 CJWW.
“They are proud to support youth and the next generation. The day I did an interview that aired on their stations it wasn’t an hour later we had a 98 Cool listener call and book an assessment because she didn’t know we existed. We’re grateful for their support in bringing awareness to our work.”
Their Title Sponsor for the Event was Direct Fencing Supply Martensville. They were founded in 2012 in Saskatoon and have made it their mission to build long term, trustworthy relationships with clients. Direct Fencing Supply has been a supporter of MYC since the very beginning.
The Luxury Sponsors for this Event were Martensville’s own Lakeview Insurance Group and Geransky Brothers Construction. Lakeview Insurance Brokerage is a diversified insurance network that spans across the Prairies. Their highest goal is to serve clients with genuine interest and integrity. This is a virtue and moral principle that guides them in all their decisions. “Lakeview has also been a supporter of MYC since day one and Jaycee Turtle, Branch Manager, has done a lot herself to support MYC and we want to thank you.”
According to the Geransky Brothers Construction team, their business exists to build lasting foundations in their community, offering a workplace that the team can grow to be their best as they provide for those they care about. “We are honored to partner with The Martensville Youth Connection to build and invest in our next generation!”
The Prestige Sponsor was SGI Canada. SGI employs over 2,000 people and works with a network of nearly 400 motor licence issuers in Saskatchewan. SGI CANADA works with more than 300 independent insurance brokerages in more than 1,500 locations in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario.
“I’d like to give a big thank you to SGI for their ongoing support of youth mental health,” said Perratt.
Perratt then gave a summary of the work they offer.
“We currently have four different programs in operation through Possibilities and three of the four programs are offered to participants at zero cost to them. Two of our youth programs are the recipients of funds raised here today, Possibilities Recovery Center and Martensville Youth Connection (MYC).”
“Possibilities Recovery Center was founded in 2020 with a vision to provide clients with a quality addictions treatment program that follows an Evidence-Based model and is delivered using a practical delivery method. Our first program is a collaboration with Elizabeth Fry Society and is funded by a Health Canada grant for two years. It is a 16-week addiction treatment program for Indigenous Women and Gender Diverse folks completing sentences with the criminal justice system. PRC provides the treatment program and Efry provides support with housing, employment, and social support. The goal is to reduce recidivism and create healthier individuals and families which indirectly creates a better community.”
Secondly, they offer an Adult Intensive Outpatient Addiction Treatment Program. This program is 8-16 weeks in length and is offered as a three hour per day group session that allows a person to remain active in their daily life.
“As one client put it, ‘A few months ago I completed a high class 6-week inpatient program in BC and within a week of returning home I had relapsed and felt hopeless. Although your material is similar the fact that I’m learning it and going home each night and having to put it to practical use is a game changer.’ To date this client has been successful in their recovery and is back to work full time. We have a total of 20 adult treatment spots and our groups are operating very close to capacity.”
The third program offered is their Youth Intensive Outpatient Mental Wellness Program.
“This program is developed cloning our adult program but tailored to meet youth where they’re at. It is still very much substance focused but adds in a lot more info about compulsive behaviour as many youths don’t identify with having an addiction but can relate to the compulsive behaviour. Things like distorted eating and self-harm are recognizable areas that we need to address with youth.”
These three programs are their intervention side of Possibilities. The fourth program offered is focused on youth prevention, and it has developed into an amazing community mental wellness program, the Martensville Youth Connection.
Youth Connection Manager Katharine Carter spoke on behalf of the MYC and began by saying that she is honored to speak about a program that holds a special place in her heart.
“This is not just a program; it is a hub of hope, growth, and transformation for our youth,” said Carter.
“The MYC stands as a symbol of our commitment to nurturing and empowering the future generations of Martensville. Founded on the principles of inclusiveness, education, and support, MYC has been a beacon of light for our youth since 2020.”
“At MYC, the mission is clear: to engage, inspire, and uplift our youth. It’s a place where young minds come to explore their potential, to learn, and to dream. MYC understands the challenges that today’s youth face, from academic pressures to social dynamics, and it provides a safe haven—a place where they can be themselves, free from judgment.”
Carter stated that MYC is not just about recreation and leisure; it’s about education and personal development. Through various programs and initiatives, MYC equips youth with essential life skills, fosters leadership, and promotes community engagement. It’s about building not just strong individuals but responsible citizens who care about the world around them.
“We have been supporting seniors, completing community clean ups, helping at Buster days and leaving positive notes for the community.”
One of the remarkable aspects of MYC is its dedication to inclusiveness. It recognizes that every youth is unique, and it celebrates diversity. MYC values and respects cultural differences, creating an environment where all backgrounds are embraced. This ensures that every young person feels a sense of belonging, a sense of identity, and a sense of pride in who they are. This was evident in the testimonies that were provided during the evening by some of the youth who have participated in the program.
“The impact of MYC on our community is immeasurable. It’s a place where lasting friendships are formed, where talents are discovered, and where futures are shaped. It’s a place that gives hope to parents, knowing that their children have a place to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Carter explained that MYC’s journey is not without its challenges. To continue providing these vital services, they rely on support from generous individuals and organizations such as the sponsors that were discussed earlier in the evening.
“It’s a collective effort, and each contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a difference in the lives of our youth.”
From January to July, 260 different youth in Martensville attended the program and have been accessed by these youth over 1,000 times.
“The Martensville Youth Connection is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in our community. It’s a place where our youth find guidance, support, and a chance to flourish. As we reflect on the importance of MYC, let us remember that investing in our youth today is an investment in a brighter tomorrow.”
“Thank you for your attention and let us all continue to support and celebrate the Martensville Youth Connection and the incredible work they do for our community. Together, we can help our youth reach for the stars and achieve their dreams.”
For more information about these programs, go to possibilitiesrecovery.ca or the Martensville Youth Connection Facebook page.
