WAK (we are kids) Youth Program WAK (we are kids) Youth Program - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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

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

WAK (we are kids) Youth Program

Funders and Partners

Who Role County of Lanark Funder Ministry Tourism Culture and Sport Funder Town of Smiths Falls Funder Host Partner Rotary Club of Smiths Falls Funder The Urban Jungle Obstacle and Fitness Challenge Funder 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 County Administrative and Program Lead

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

Kindness Stones for 1st ever Smiths Falls Pride! Youth organized and ran a Canteen for 1st ever Smiths Falls 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 Art from Recyclables Spray Paint Marbling

Field Trips

Xtreme Trampoline Park Low Impact Paintball at Marked: Ultimate Family Adventure Park

Field Trips

And MUCH more!

Swimming at The Gallipeau Centre Fun at Mont Cascade Water Park

Pictures of Program

Canoeing with Parks Canada Mobile Paddle Team 7 Sacred Teachings Road Hockey with Smiths Falls Settlers

Pictures of Program

Urban Jungle Obstacle and Fitness Challenge Making homemade pasta Learning how to make t-shirts with Howling Designs

Impact Story

Urban Jungle Obstacle and Fitness Challenge Learning how to make t-shirts with Howling Designs

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 well as set up at the beginning of program and he always talks to me now. The other day he thought it would be hilarious to scare me. His laugh was definitely worth it!

Heidi McNeely – WAK Program Facilitator

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