Transforming Lives,
One Motorcycle at a Time

Shift Disturbers is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to transforming the lives of youth and young adults, aged 16-26, who are facing mental health challenges, addictions, or justice system involvement.

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About the program

Transforming Lives,
One Motorcycle at a Time

Shift Disturbers is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to transforming the lives of youth and young adults. 

In 2024, Barrie Harley-Davidson donated a 2000 Kawasaki Vulcan as the first motorcycle for participants to transform. The group breathed new life into the motorcycle and named it “Blue Lightning”.

Shift Disturbers program - motorcycle before and after

People enrolled in the program gained technical expertise, soft skills, confidence, and a profound sense of achievement. Each individual received personalized attention in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Empower

youth to realize their potential

Skill-Building

to provide tools & confidence to thrive

Community

active participation in events

Bridging the Gap to Higher Education

More than a skills program, Shift Disturbers is a bridge to a brighter future. Our mission is to illuminate the path to higher education, helping participants envision themselves at Georgian College or other post-secondary institutions.

Strengthening Community Bonds

Beyond skill-building, our program fortifies community ties. Shift Disturbers addresses the unique challenges faced by youth, providing a supportive route to educational and employment success. By covering transportation costs, offering refreshments, and providing a living wage, we ensure that participants can engage fully and without worry.

Pro-Social Activities & Community Engagement

Shift Disturbers helps participants become comfortable in a learning environment, laying the groundwork for future educational and career endeavors. The program promotes pro-social activities that enhance both technical and interpersonal skills within a positive, encouraging environment. Each motorcycle project is a metaphorical and literal journey toward personal growth and community contribution.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Our curriculum, shaped by restorative justice principles, aims to make a lasting positive impact:

Confidence Building

Empowering youth through skill mastery and personal milestones.

Community and Socialization

Creating a sense of belonging and mutual support.

 

Skill Development

Providing a robust mix of technical and soft skills.

Education and Employment Readiness

Equipping participants for future academic and career success.

 

Risk Reduction

Tackling the root causes of challenges relating to addictions, mental health, and criminal activity.

R

Read HERE about our Impact

Discover the powerful impact of Shift Disturbers at Georgian College.

 

#ShiftDisturbers

Building Community

The Shift Disturbers program is a unique initiative that offers a blend of technical and soft skills training, incorporating a motorcycle restoration project with a restorative justice group program.

What you get in our program

You’ll get to work on real bikes, picking up valuable trade skills, while also diving into important topics like leadership, communication, empathy, and ownership. These skills will not only help you get ready for job opportunities or further education but also connect you with your community in a positive way.

We are proud to provide participants with a living wage to support their involvement, along with coverage for transportation expenses and refreshments. We can’t wait for you to join us and see how this experience can make a difference in your life.

Submit an expression of interest, click HERE

Invest in the Future

Join us in supporting Shift Disturbers. Your contributions will directly impact the lives of youth, providing them with the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to forge a brighter future. Together, we can inspire change and build stronger communities, one motorcycle at a time.

Inclusive Development

Central to our approach is the inclusion of Youth Leaders who bring their lived experiences and leadership skills to the program. Compensated for their contributions, these leaders ensure the curriculum is relevant and impactful. By embodying the principle of “nothing about us without us,” we create a program that truly resonates with and supports its participants.

#RideTeamGeorgian

Working Together

The Georgian College Motorcycle Program is partnering with Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka on a unique program for youth. Shift Disturbers is about learning rebuild a motorcycle as way of supporting youth rebuild themselves to ‘change course’ and follow pathways into higher education or meaningful employment.

By joining #RideTeamGeorgian, you will support the youth in our community through a new program built on a shared love of motorcycles, belonging, and the belief that youth, when supported, can achieve brighter futures for themselves and our community.

Learn More

#RideTeamGeorgian

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