WAK (we are kids) Youth Program
WAK (we are kids) Youth Program History There was a gap in service for the youth of Smiths Falls during the Summer of 2017 when SFDCY closed its doors •A partnership was created between BBBSLC, Town of Smiths Falls and YAK Youth Services to address the gap •Program started October 2, 2017 •Program runs 4 days a week during critical hours •Community Partnership is important asset in providing a wide range of programs
WAK (we are kids) Youth Program Program is an inclusive, welcoming and safe place for ALL Youth • Wide range of programs offered, with a focus on: Physical Activity, a Healthy Snack and Positive Mental Health
WAK (we are kids) Youth Program •155 youth served since October 2017 visited the program in total 2, 351 times. 75 males, 80 females. •Core group of youth are grade 6 to 10. •3 youth have aged out of program. •Locations: Smiths Falls = 139 Montague = 3 Jasper = 3 Lombardy = 10
Funders and Partners Who Role County of Lanark Funder Ministry Tourism Culture and Funder Sport Town of Smiths Falls Funder Host Partner Rotary Club of Smiths Falls Funder The Urban Jungle Obstacle and Funder Fitness Challenge OnTrac Employment Services Service Provider * Funder in Fall of 2017 RNJ Youth Services Service Provider Community Justice Service Provider The Smiths Falls Library Service Partner Smiths Falls Police Service Service Provider The Table Community Food Centre Service Provider YAK Youth Services Program Partner Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark Administrative and Program Lead County
Budget Revenue 2019 •County of Lanark = $40,000 a year for 4 years •Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport = $20,000 •Town of Smiths Falls = $20,000 pending approval •Rotary Club of Smiths Falls = $1,000. •Activity costs currently supported by a BBBSLC grant from Ontario Sport and Recreation that ends March 2019 Expenses • 1 full time and 2 part time staff • Food costs • Administration (insurance, finance, etc.)
Program Highlights Teens in the Kitchen! •Run during school year in partnership with The Table Community Food Centre •Biweekly sessions, Tuesdays •Youth learn about food, how to follow recipes, how to prepare food, cooking and clean up Be Strong • Run by Lanark County Community Justice during the school year •Helps teach healthy relationships and provides a support system for youth and screens adults •Ended 2018 due to funding; volunteers continuing on
Community Engagement Youth organized Kindness and ran a Stones for 1 st Canteen for 1 st ever Smiths ever Smiths Falls Falls Pride! Art Show
Community Engagement Teamed up with Smiths Falls Police Services Community Services Officer - Aaron Tompkins to paint Chief Larry Hardy Skate Park Participating in Community Pitch in Days. Cleaned up play areas and around arena
ART Melted Crayon Art Spray Paint Marbling Art from Recyclables
Field Trips Xtreme Trampoline Park Low Impact Paintball at Marked: Ultimate Family Adventure Park
Field Trips Fun at Mont Cascade Swimming at The Water Park Gallipeau Centre And MUCH more!
Pictures of Program Road Hockey with Smiths Falls Settlers Canoeing with 7 Sacred Parks Canada Teachings Mobile Paddle Team
Pictures of Program Making homemade pasta Urban Jungle Learning how to make Obstacle and t-shirts with Howling Fitness Challenge Designs
Impact Story There is a youth who has attended our program since the very first day we opened. Though he does not come every program day, he comes often enough that I have developed a rapport with him. When this youth first started coming to program, he really did not speak often, and sometimes not at all - though I certainly tried. He was very difficult to engage in anything we did and he often seemed as though he was not enjoying himself. He kept coming back, but did become more selective about which program days he came for. I noticed the pattern almost right away and that was he always came on the days that we did physical activity. Whether it was a workout I led, ball hockey, skating, he would come. He was still quiet, but it was nice to know how to interest him. I recently got permission from Bridget, to start a running club on Monday afternoons. The first day of running club, I was preparing snacks ahead of time and this young man joined me and asked if I needed help. I told him I absolutely did and the two of us worked side by side in the kitchen. At this point, he had been coming to our program for about a year and a half and I don't think he spoke more than a few words to me at a time, despite my best efforts. Well, he had a lot to say in that kitchen. He talked to me about so many things, it was hard for me to just play cool and not show excitement that he was opening up. He opened up about some challenges he was facing and I was happy to be able to provide him with resources. We went running and I’ve never seen anyone run like he did that day. He has not missed one day of running club yet. He smiles more, has helped me to make snacks again as Urban Jungle well as set up at the beginning of program and he always talks to me now. The other day he thought it would Learning how to make be hilarious to scare me. His laugh was definitely worth it! Obstacle and t-shirts with Howling Fitness Challenge Heidi McNeely – WAK Program Facilitator Designs
WAK (we are kids) Youth Program Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to talk to you about WAK Youth Program Questions? For more information, please contact Bridget Manahan , Manager of Youth Services 613-284-2490 bridget.manahan@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca Facebook: WAK Youth Program Instagram: WAK Youth Program
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