Programs That Work for Vulnerable Youth

1. Programs That Work for Vulnerable Youth April 29, 2009 Steve Toth Executive Director

2. Can you easily pick out who is Vulnerable?

3. Hope & Opportunity!

4. Kids hope to…. EXPAND THEIR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS CREATE MENTORING RELATIONSHIP WITH ADULT STAFF LEARN NEW PERSONAL SKILLS BE NOTICED POSITIVELY BE SUCCESSFUL BECOME LEADERS BE GREAT WE CREATE THE OPPORTUNITIES

5. FIRST THE OVERALL ENVIRNOMENT… Core Characteristics of a Boys & Girls Club: • Satisfy the age-old desire of young people to have a “Club of their own” • Have full time professional staff leadership, supplemented by part-time workers and volunteers. • Require no proof of good character. Wehelp and guide girls and boys who may be in danger of acquiring, or who already have acquired, unacceptable habits and attitudes, as well as those of good character • Make sure that all boys and girls can afford to belong and even the least interested will not be deterred form joining

6. Core Characteristics of a Boys & Girls Club • continued: • Are for girls and boys of all races, religions and cultures • Are building centered. Activities are conducted in the warm, friendly atmosphere of facilities especially designed for youth programs. • Have an open door policy • Have varied and diversified programs that recognizes and responds to the collective and individuals needs of girls and boys. • Are guidance-oriented. Clubs emphasize values inherent in the relationships between young people, their peer, and adult leaders. • They help boys and girls make appropriate and satisfying choices.

7. BOYS & GIRLS CLUB PROGRAMS Smart Moves Health & Life Skills Nationally acclaimed comprehensive program helps young people resist alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, as well as premature sexual activity. SMART Moves features engaging, interactive , small group activities that increase participants’ peer support, enhance their life skills, build their resiliency and strengthen their leadership skills. Torch Club Character & Leadership Development Torch Clubs are charter small-group leadership and service clubs for boys & girls ages 11 – 13. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to implement activities in four areas: service to Club and community, education, health & fitness and social recreation.

8. Power Hour Education & Career Development Making minutes count helps Club ,members ages 6 – 12 be more successful in school by providing homework help and tutoring. Program also encourages members to become self-directed learners. Goals For GraduationEducation & Career Development Academic goal setting forClub members ages 6 – 15 by linking their future aspirations with concrete actions today. In goal-setting sessions with Club youth development professionals, members set achievable “Know-I-Can” Goals, more challenging “Think-I-Can” Goals, and yearly “Believe-I-Can” Goals Passport to Manhood Health & Life Skills Passport to Manhood promotes positive values and responsible behavior for boys ages 11 – 14. Major categories include decision making, personal wellness, substance abuse prevention, response to authority, relationship with girls, fatherhood and family, employment and careers , personal leadership and community responsibility.

9. C.L.A.S.S. Community Link Aiding Suspended Students The Club provides a school like structured environment for suspended middle school and high school students on Mondays – Fridays from 7:30AM – 2:30PM. Parents of suspended students are referred to the program by school administrators. While in a attendance, students catch up with homework, obtain tutoring assistance, participate in group discussion concerning success in school, change in behavior, and taking responsibility for personal action. Cavity Free Zone Health & Life Skills Teaches young people about dental health, hygiene and the importance of nutrition. When available, students may have the opportunity for free initial dental care by a community dentist.

10. L.I.T.Leadership in Training A summer program offered to youth ages 13 – 15 year old. Participants obtain educational training on proper behavior relating to the work environment. Participants volunteer, either assisting staff on special projects, during the summer. LIT earn points for positive behaviors such as showing up on time, wearing proper shirt, having a positive attitude and more. Youth who reach the point goals are rewarded with a trip to Cedar Point or other incentives. Community Service High School and College aged students who are assigned to complete a set number of volunteer hours by the area courts may do so at the Boys & Girls Club. Each participant must pass a background check. Participant then meet with staff for overview of expectations and work assignments. Most often these young people help maintain the cleanliness of the facilities. Counseling is available when requested.

11. Youth Development Outcomes

12. Positive Self Identity Youth have a healthy self-concept, a strong belief in their own self-worth and a sense of hope about their future. They are adept at setting and attaining goals confidently making the necessary decisions to achieve their life plans.

13. Competencies Youth have a healthy self-concept, a strong belief in their own self-worth and a sense of hope about their future. They are adept at setting and attaining goals confidently making the necessary decisions to achieve their life plans. • Educational-youth are proficient in the basic educational disciplines and have the capacity to utilize technology. Youth have graduated from high school and are motivated to pursue learning opportunities throughout their lives. • Employment-youth have the skills and attributes to be successful in the work force. They are motivated to constantly develop new skills and hone existing skills to maintain a competitive edge. • Social-youth are able to develop and sustain positive relationships with others • Emotional-youth are able to recognize, reflect on and appropriately express their emotions, manage stress and cope with positive and adverse situations. • Cultural-youth have an understanding and respect for their own cultural identity and for the cultures of others; they are able to contribute in a multicultural society and demonstrate tolerance for differences among people.

14. Community and Civic involvement Youth have a sense of belonging to their community, family, and/or group, and are willing to take civic responsibility. They work closely with others to contribute to the greater good.

15. Health and Well-being Youth live healthy lives, take part in regular fitness activities, and are able to access health care resources and engage in positive behaviors. They use sound judgment about personal safety, nutrition and avoidance of alcohol, drugs and premature sexual activity.

16. Moral Compass Youth have values enabling them to develop positive relationships with others. These values include honesty, a sense of justice and fairness, respect, caring and spirituality.

17. Kids thank you to Greg Landry Kiwanis Club Hot Dog Day ‘Thank you’ to all who support the Boys & Girls Club of Troy! Teens at Walsh College