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Agency Directory |
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YMCA of Niagara
25 YMCA Drive, St. Catharines,
ON, L2N 7P9
PH: (905) 934-9622
Fax: (905) 934-9665
Overview:
The YMCA of Niagara is a charitable organization, open to everyone, that is committed to providing opportunities that strenghten people and communities through growth in spirit, mind, and body. The United Way funds the Youth Action and Kids First programs, which helps “at risk” youth and children with special needs reach their potential.
Program Investment by United Way:
Youth Action
Youth Action is a social and recreational program for youth 10-15 years of age. The Youth Action program operates out of 26 locations throughout the Niagara Region. There are three components to our YMCA Youth Action Dropin Program:
1. Monday to Thursday Dropin at local schools in 22 locations throughout the Niagara Region – These programs are free for the youth and are held from 6-8pm in the schools gymnasium. This part of the program gives us the opportunity to go where the youth are which eliminates the barrier of transportation.
2. Friday Nights – Every Friday night the program continues at the Walker Family YMCA, the Merritton Seniors Centre and new this year we have a bus coming from West Park School to the Friday Dropin at the Walker Family YMCA. These are larger programs that give the youth the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of activities.
3. Dances – Each month at the Walker family YMCA. The success of our dances are because the youth have a respect for the staff and the facility. This is because of our regular contact with the youth through the programs throughout the week.
“Research shows that strategies involving physical activity and recreation appear particularly promising in the minimizing or removing risk factors at all stages of the continuum. Participation in physical activity and recreation can provide positive benefits related to psychological health, physical health, familial interactions, peer influence, academic performance, community development & other lifestyle behaviors.”
“Youth at Risk, a discussion paper”, 1997, Canadian Parks/Recreation Association and Health Canada
Without Youth Action over 4,100 youth would not have a possible outlet, opportunity to interact with peers and positive role models in a way which only a dropin can do.
Since its inception 1985 Youth action has given tens of thousands of youth a positive outlet and lasting relationships. Over the past 10 years we have had 246,393 visits to either our School program, Friday Nights or Dances. Currently Youth Action is the largest program of its kind for youth in Niagara Region.
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United Way of
St. Catharines & District
Phone: 688-5050
Fax: 905 688-2997 |
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Overview 
