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Virtual
YMCA
Every afternoon
the school bell rings, children pack their back packs,
grab their belongings and head down the hall to a space
in their school that is "virtually" transformed
into a YMCA. A trusted place parents, teachers and neighbours
know to be a place to form friendships, develop, grow
and thrive.
Ensuring the
future health of our community relies on providing all
our kids with the tools they need to succeed. The Virtual
YMCA engages 40 youth, in grades 1 to 6, in a consistent
and holistic program focused on the individual's healthy
development in Spirit (values and assets), Mind (academics
and literacy), and Body (recreation and nutrition).
The first
Virtual YMCA in Waterloo Region was launched at St.
John's Catholic Elementary School on Strange St. in
Kitchener in December 2007.
Program Outcomes
Participants:
The Virtual
YMCA provides children with the additional help and
attention they need to succeed in their academic studies,
improving their capacity to learn. Physical activity
increases appreciation of team work, good sportsmanship,
problem solving, and co-operation while improving overall
health and developing a positive attitude and self esteem.
Children feel valued, safe and free to express their
thoughts and feeling and as a result develop positive
relationships with adults and peers.
Families:
Families will
have increased knowledge of and access to resources
and supports reducing stress and use of other social
services.
Program
Outcomes
Click
Here
Uniqueness
Although offered
after school, the Virtual YMCA is not a typical
"after school program"! With a strong
focus on prevention, this program weaves a proven program
model with community supports to sustain children in
school with access to information, resources and services
for parents, as well as a focus on strengthening the
neighbourhood. It uniquely integrates literacy into
all program elements. A 1:5 staff to participant ration
ensures children receive individual attention and academic
support. The combined resources of family, school, and
community create an exceptional partnership that is
mutually beneficial providing children with the tools
they need to succeed, ensuring the future health of
our community.
Virtual
YMCA Handbook
Click Here
Funding
The Virtual
YMCA program is offered free-of-charge to participants
and families. The Lyle S. Hallman Foundation has generously
provided three years of funding to develop and implement
the first Virtual YMCA in Waterloo Region. The Provincial
Governments Communities In Action Fund, and the Kitchener-Waterloo
Community Foundation have also contributed funding for
the first year of program. The United Way has provided
funding for the second year of program and we continue
to pursue additional funding sources and opportunities
to ensure the future sustainability of the Virtual YMCA
in Waterloo Region.
To find out more about the Virtual
YMCA, please contact Beth King at bking@kwymca.org
or (519)741-8585.
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