Poverty Prevention and Reduction
Our Community Cares – increasing positive social skills
Our Community Cares provides a center for kids like Meshack 15, Tommy 14, and Alyssa 12 to go after school. All three kids visit the “O.C.C” every day after school. “It keeps us out of trouble and we can just hang out and relax,” says Tommy.
The center offers ongoing programs including workshops as well as access to computers, a food bank and a free clothing store.
All three describe the O.C.C as a second home where they feel safe and comfortable. Counselors are available to provide guidance and just to talk, if required. “You can talk to them whenever you need to, they are very understanding and help us when we need it,” Alyssa explains.
The computer lab has dramatically helped with their school assignments. Meshack is most likely to be found in the lab after school, when he is not on the basketball court with Tommy.
The O.C. C. provides kids with the necessary tools to help with self-esteem and confidence and is a positive atmosphere where kids are encouraged to make healthy decisions.
The Living Rock -- providing life skills for a brighter future
When she was seventeen Ashley found out through friends about the many United Way funded programs offered by the Living Rock. Now, at age 21 she’s glad she did. Ashley has participated in several living Rock programs and benefitted from the evening youth drop-in which offers hot, nutritious meals, movies and a safe place to “hang out”.
More recently, she has completed the Rock Resource and TRI-Rock (Training Resources and Information) programs. The former involves a commitment of two weeks steady volunteer work in the kitchen, while the latter involves a period of paid employment during which Ashley learned about interviewing and resumes, budgeting and other life skills. Finally, Ashley was required to complete a 20-week work term in the community where she worked with children at the Jamesville Community Centre daycare.
With the ongoing assistance of Living Rock, Ashley is employed part time and working on the completion of her high school diploma. Her future plans included pursuing social work studies at Mohawk College with a focus on children and youth. “The guidance and experience I have gained at Living Rock will have a huge influence on me in the years ahead” says Ashley.
Changing Lives
United Way is a recognized leader in building community partnerships and promoting long-term solutions for local health and social needs. By focusing sharply on community impact, United Way works to promote and sustain the well being of everyone in our community through a network of agencies in Burlington and Greater Hamilton.
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