 |
|
|
|
Youth Development Program
|
|
The Giving Tree Project |
Children from the YWCA’s 13 Youth Development Program sites spent last semester learning about the importance of philanthropy. Each site received a copy of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
After reading the book, students and site coordinators discussed the importance of helping others. Many of the sites are involved in on-going volunteer projects that include visiting area nursing homes, conducting canned food drives and helping out elderly neighbors.
“It is important to help other people because you never know when you’ll need help,” said Brittnay Mitchell, a student at the YWCA Leafcrest site. “The Giving Tree also taught us the importance of teamwork.”
Each site created their own giving trees, made primarily out of recycled materials like newspaper and styrofoam packaging.
For their final lesson in philanthropy, students were challenged to earn and then give away their own money. By watering house plants, taking out the garbage and cleaning their rooms, the YWCA youth raised more than $200, which they donated to the United Way Central Carolinas.
|
|
|
Youth Development Program |
|
Fun for Kids, peace of mind for working parents
 50 weeks each year during after school hours, school holidays and vacations, 13 YWCA after school sites open their doors to over 300, five to 15-year-old students. The YWCA Youth Development Program offers kids a safe, educational and fun environment, with a variety of activities from swimming and storytelling to martial arts and arts and crafts.
At the YWCA, children engage in healthy social behavior and build relationships with children their own age. YWCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are at the heart of the Youth Development Program. These core values are incorporated into daily activities, games and conversation.
Children also enjoy the added benefit of the YWCA’s recreational amenities, including an indoor swimming pool (lessons available), tennis courts, playground, gymnasium and outdoor areas.
|
|
|
YWCA Youth Development Program Outcomes |
- 83 percent of the youth participating in our program performed at or above grade level in reading.
- 88 percent of the youth participating in our program performed at or above grade level in math.
- Student suspension rates and school absences are down 40 percent.
- 100 percent of girls enrolled in the YWCA Youth Development Program have NOT become pregnant.
- Community police have commended the YWCA’s Youth Development Program, citing a decrease in juvenile arrests due to the presence of our neighborhood based out-of-school programs.
|
|
|
Education |
|
The YWCA Youth Development Program is academically based with trained staff on hand to help students complete their homework. The program emphasizes individual development, encourages team spirit to build self-confidence and character and provides kids with positive tools and skills that will last a lifetime.
Parents of YWCA students work with after school staff and volunteers to develop homework, study and tutoring programs personalized to fit their child’s individual needs. Site coordinators show children the crucial connection between academic success and achieving their future goals. Career exploration speakers have included a mortician, firefighter, medic, lawyer and cosmetologist. YWCA students visit local universities, community colleges and trade schools to explore continued education and career opportunities after high school.
|
|
|
Site and Contact Information |
For more information about the YWCA Youth Development Program or YWCA after school sites in your neighborhood, contact Yolanda Bynum at (704) 525-5770. Yolanda may also be reached via email at ybynum@ywcacentralcarolinas.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
