YMCA Youth Action - Giving Kids a Place

Aperçu:

**YMCA Youth Action Giving Kids a Place!** As a values-based charity dedicated to healthy living and well being, the YMCA of Niagara has a positive impact on the health of over 75,000 people of all backgrounds, abilities and stages of life from across the region. Operating from 150 program sites throughout Niagara, the YMCA offers membership, child care, youth outreach, day camp and employment and newcomer services supported by over 1000 volunteers annually. The YMCA of Niagara is open to all and is dedicated to providing leadership and opportunities for people and their community to grow in spirit, mind, and body. **About the Program** The YMCA of Niagara’s Youth Action program is for all youth in grades 4-8 (age 9 to 14). These programs offer youth a safe and positive environment in which they can learn new skills, participate in physical activities and socialize with friends while having a positive role model to assist and guide them and build their Developmental Assets. Youth Action has been offered to youth in the Niagara community since 1985. This FREE recreational drop in program is offered throughout the week at local school gymnasiums throughout the Niagara region. **Here's how we want to make a difference.** Our funding request is to bring additional Youth Action Programs to 5 local schools across Niagara. Why? Because all kids deserve to have a place where they belong, and we are committed to keeping this program free for all participants. Currently we have 18 Youth Action sites across St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara Falls and Fort Erie. Last year alone those schools had 6092 visits. The need for this program is great, but we can't do it alone. With additional funding, we can offer more programs to serve more youth. **Did You Know?** According to the Health Story of Niagara: • 31.7% of youth aged 12-17 are obese, compared to 20% in Ontario • 23.3% of youth aged 12-19 do not feel a sense of belonging to the community Our YMCA wants to help change these statistics and Aviva you can help us make this happen! Let’s rally together and make a difference for youth in Niagara! **How much do we need?** Our grant request is $30,000. The cost to run one of our Youth Action programs is $6,000 a year. This includes program start up equipment, and staffing costs. Our goal is to add 5 new programs to schools that are identified in need of recreational activities. We hope you enjoy our video, it can be found here on Aviva, ymcaofniagara.org, YMCA of Niagara's Facebook and Twitter, YouTube and on our Digital Displays in our 4 membership centers. Thank you for supporting Niagara’s youth! To find out more about how the YMCA is making a difference in the Niagara community, visit our website at ymcaofniagara.org.