Owen Sound, ON – On November 20, 2025, the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce proudly presented its prestigious YMCA Peace Medal to The Hanley Institute, recognizing their outstanding contributions to youth and community peace-building. The presentation took place during a special ceremony attended by community members and local dignitaries, including Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy and Deputy Mayor Dane Nielsen and Councillor Nadia Dubyk of Grey Highlands, who congratulated the recipients on their dedication and impact.

The Hanley Institute, a charitable organization founded in 2018, provides supportive spaces for youth to develop confidence, essential life skills, and a sense of belonging. Growing from Jenny Hanley’s decades-long work in youth services and addictions support, the Institute addresses the need for local prevention and support resources for youth in South Grey. In 2020, the organization established its permanent home in the former United Church in Flesherton, which has since become a vibrant hub for youth programming and community engagement.

Through its programs, The Hanley Institute empowers youth to participate in meaningful activities, practice empathy, and engage in community service projects such as helping neighbours, supporting seniors, and contributing to local arts and culture initiatives. Their efforts foster leadership, resilience, and a sense of agency among young people, helping them grow into responsible, empowered citizens who can positively influence their community and beyond.

“The YMCA Peace Medal committee is thrilled to recognize the Hanley Institute for their dedication to fostering peace and empowering youth,” says Sarah Cowely, YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce CEO. “Their tireless work reminds us all that peace begins locally – in our relationships, our communities, and the opportunities we create for one another.”

Jenny Hanley, CEO of The Hanley Institute, expressed deep gratitude for the honour, noting how meaningful it was to have the community recognize the work being done to support local youth. During the ceremony, two youth participants also spoke, sharing that the Institute has been a kind and safe place where they can make friends, build confidence, and grow social skills. They emphasized that Jenny brings so much to the community and that the benefits of the Institute extend far beyond its walls – shaping lives and strengthening the community as a whole.

The organization emphasized that the recognition reflects the collective efforts of staff, volunteers, community partners, and the youth themselves, who are at the heart of every program and activity.

The YMCA Peace Medal was first developed in 1987 by a small group of volunteers and staff with the YMCA of Fredericton. Now, 37 years later, Peace Medals are presented at YMCAs across the country to honour individuals and groups who — without any special resources, wealth, or position — demonstrate the values of PEACE: Participation, Empathy, Advocacy, Community, and Empowerment.

With this recognition, The Hanley Institute is now the 14th group to be awarded the YMCA Peace Medal locally, joining a distinguished list that also includes 28 individual recipients. All recipients are proudly acknowledged at the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility.