Building a Healthy Community
A Campaign for the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA
I nv e s t i n g i n t h e K i t c h e n e r - Wa t e r l o o Y M C A : 1
Opening Doors
To Good Health
“The triangle stands for man’s essential unity in spirit, mind and body.” Luther Gulick, YMCA Physical Educator and creator of the YMCA triangle symbol (1891)
2
How the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA makes good health a reality: m We are open and accessible to all
networks developed at YMCA sites help create
regardless of financial circumstances,
a sense of belonging, assist with problem-
cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs,
solving and deal with adversity. Caring,
age or gender.
respectful relationships act as a buffer to
m We are experienced at helping people to lead healthy, active lives. We care about the
health problems. m We are a charitable organization that
whole person at all ages and stages of their
strengthens our community and is responsive
life. Our efforts are directed at the overall
to its changing needs.
health of all members of our community so that they can reach their full potential. m We support the personal growth of people
m We help to alleviate poverty and settle newcomers by focusing on the key areas that keep people healthy (staying active, having
in spirit, mind and body through our vision to
a job, lasting relationships, being part of a
“build a healthy community.” All of our values-
community). We also remove financial barriers
based programs and services are focused on
to give people access to our programs and
achieving this vision whether through health,
services by providing assistance to children,
fitness and recreation programs, immigrant
families and individuals.
settlement, international development,
m In 2009, 43,500 people participated in the
early childhood education or any of our
KW YMCA’s core programs and services with
other programs.
an overall reach of more than 100,000 people
m We specialize in helping people build relationships. The friendships and social
at more than 40 program sites.
With your help, the KitchenerWaterloo YMCA is prepared to make the boldest investment in its history and make a lasting impact upon the health of the people living in our community. Together, we can make our strong community healthier.
The YMCA
of Yesterday
3
A History of Innovation
Building a STRONGER COMMUNITY for more than a Century
When the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA opened its
Addressing the needs of people in our
Every generation has put its own stamp on
doors to all in 1982, it was one of the first YMCAs
community in spirit, mind, and body has been
the YMCA, contributing to building a better
deliberately and uniquely designed to serve the
the cornerstone of the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA
community. Unforeseen circumstances, shifting
program needs of families. The focus on children
since it was founded in 1895. The Y’s values
social concerns and changing economic
and families offered a distinct alternative to fitness
— acceptance, balance, caring, giving and
conditions often result in gaps between the
centres that cater to adults. Its innovative features
responsibility — cross all cultures and faiths and
need for support and the provision of services.
foster social interaction and multiple activity
serve as the foundation of all our programming.
Throughout its history, the Y has been proactive
participation. The Host Program, launched in
We are truly open to all.
in identifying these needs and taking steps to fill
1985, matches newcomers to Canada with people already experienced with life in Canada who help them adjust to their new life. The creation of the Outdoor Centre in 1995 made the KW YMCA a leader in environmental education and sustainable living.
The real success of the KW YMCA has been
them when other agencies cannot.
its ability to adapt to the changing times.
The strength of the Kitchener-Waterloo
Although the Y has always been recognized for
YMCA’s past is its vision for the future. We
its physical health programs, these activities are
are committed to doing more of what we’re good
only part of the overall philosophy behind the Y
at which is filling gaps in services to underserved
movement. Nurturing a healthy body goes hand-
groups and geographic areas. By doing so, we can
in-hand with a healthy mind and healthy spirit.
enhance our impact upon our community’s health.
From its opening in 1922, the YMCA at 57 Queen Street North served as the flagship YMCA facility serving people in our community until 1982.
The YMCA
of Today Our Mission
The YMCA is a charitable organization that strengthens our community by providing opportunities for personal growth and active involvement for all children, adults and families.
Our Vision
A leader in building a strong, healthy community through innovation and collaboration.
Our Values ACC EP TAN C E: welcoming and open to all CARIN G: acting with compassion and concern for the well being of others HEALT H: developing people in spirit, mind and body RES P EC T : treating all people with dignity RES P O N S IBILIT Y: accountable for oneself, others, our environment and the world we live in
4
“I came to Waterloo from the Congo. I did not know anyone and my English was not good. My family and I were given a three month YMCA membership. Going to the YMCA felt good. I attended the Newcomer Youth Program and met new people and tried new things. I became a volunteer to show others around similar to the way I was helped. I am much more confident and I am excited to work on becoming a mentor in the YMCA Newcomer Youth Program and the Leader Corps.” Kengo
5
The
Movement
The Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA is part of a
A quick overview of today’s Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA m The A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA offers
m As the lead agency for the Ontario Early Years
larger, innovative movement across Canada
programs that serve the needs of the whole
Centres in Waterloo, parents and professionals
and around the world. Nurturing a healthy
person at all ages and stages of life through
receive assistance to ensure children reach
body, the YMCA invented basketball and
sport, recreation and social development
their optimal development and readiness to
volleyball and launched a national swimming
opportunities. Families, children, teens, single
learn, so they may reach their fullest potential.
instruction program in 1910. Nurturing a
adults and older adults all comfortably share
healthy mind, YMCAs offered night classes
the same vibrant facility.
that were affordable to the average person
m As a key provider of immigrant settlement
m There are 11 sites delivering quality, licensed child care. m The Outdoor Services department offers
and later, courses that led to the creation of
services in Kitchener-Waterloo—with several
children a variety of fun outdoor adventures
Concordia, Carleton and York universities.
programs that cover the region of Waterloo,
and learning opportunities at three residential
An example of nurturing a healthy spirit is
Cross Cultural & Immigrant Services assists
camps, a day camp and an award-winning
the YMCA’s International Programs including
thousands of newcomers each year with direct
year-round outdoor centre.
those run by the KW YMCA since 1948.
help and by making referrals to employment,
Currently, our partnerships with the YMCAs of
education and training programs.
Zambia are helping people in Africa.
m Sites at eight schools keep kids active in afterschool recreation programs.
Removing financial barriers to participation in healthy activities
Opening More Doors for more people than ever before Just as our community has seen rapid growth,
their participation in our programs. They are now
the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA has experienced a
helping children themselves such as those in our
tremendous increase in demand for services over
afterschool school programs or those participating
the past decade. We deliver programs and services
in our teen services.
such as child care and immigrant settlement that make a difference in our community. Hundreds of thousands of people have developed personal skills and enhanced their self esteem by participating in programs such as leadership training, aquatics and group fitness classes. Today’s YMCA is an organization where staff and volunteers work side-byside to achieve a common goal.
In 2009, more than 4,758 people were able to access YMCA programs and services when
Today’s YMCA is open to people from all ages and
financial barriers to participation were removed. A
stages of life and from a variety of cultural and
total of $775,061 in assistance was provided.
religious backgrounds. Everyone is supported in 4% Newcomers
their pursuit of good health for life. The number of people involved in KW YMCA programs and services
26% Assisted
has increased to well over 100,000 at more than 40 program sites—with 43,500 people participating in core programs and services (see graph). Children are
70% Full Fee
A sign of our success is the large number of teens and
a prime focus with more than 50% of core participants
young adults we employ—often as a first job. We are
under the age of 18. Older adults are an increasing
proud that many of these young people learned the
focus. Currently, 14% of the full-fee members at the
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA
hard and soft skills that they need to succeed through
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA are 55 or older.
Average Monthly Membership 2009: 7,847
6
Participation in Programs and Services 2009 9,525 Ontario Early Years Centres
Camp Wabanaki Huntsville, ON Camp Belwood Fergus, ON
49 315 Virtual YMCA Afterschool Antics Linwood
St. Jacobs
12,620 A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA
Br
idg
St. Clements
rsi
ive ty
We be
rB lvd
er Rd E
dN
yR wa
n Fou
ir Fa
tain
S
ay Rd Fairw
ve R le Gro
St N
E
t wa S Otta
Map
S
Day Camps (4) Outdoor Centre (1)
Blea
401
Kin
gS
le d rR
ta Foun Blair
OEYC Service Delivery Sites (10) undee
New D
Rd
Ayr
Eagle
an
S in St
YMCA Ontario Early Years Centres (2)
Administration Office
Sh
tE
ss
Cross Cultural & Immigrant Services (2)
d
ms R
Overnight Camps (3)
Rd
uth
s Kos
8
dE
Rd 8
Riv
R nd
hla
nt Rd
* Individuals with a membership in 2009 for all or part of the year.
7
Breslau
Tru
Participants in programs and services include, for example, everyone who has purchased a YMCA membership*, registered in programs run at other KW YMCA locations or had a settlement file opened.
ou
an
Virtual YMCA (1)
tN
7
aS r St Ottaw E Kin gS tE
Hig
stm We
W
llm Ha
H
Rd
t kS
c
St N ederi Fr
oria
Vict
We be
erch
nd
la ight
tW
tE
ge S
Brid
e kn
gS
Fis
Afterschool Antics (8)
Rd
Child Care (11)
ve W ity A
ers
Univ
Kin
S
St E
c La
le
Health, Fitness & Recreation (2)
tW
Erb
Lancaster St W
vil
10,093 Cross Cultural & Immigrant Services
85
Erb
bs
1,476 Day Camp & Out of School Programs
YMCA Centres
E
bia
Er
6,235 Outdoor Centre
Program Sites
N
W St
um
Col
e Av
r St
Total: 43,514 1,226 Child Care
W
W
r ld D
thfie
St
Un
Nor
1,975 Overnight Camps
e
Rd
tz
Hil
lR
d
Kin
gS
t
St N
B
The Importance of a
Healthy Community
7
Everyone, whatever their age or stage in life, benefits from good health and a clean environment. People who are physically active have more energy, less stress and greater confidence. Over time, they enjoy improved cardiovascular fitness, increased strength and weight loss or maintenance. Good health means maximizing your ability to live and enjoy your life. Promoting sustainable development and responsible environmental activity helps to support a strong and healthy community.
Positive health practices including an active
community by itself. Collaboration, cooperation
lifestyle are important but positive social
and sharing are essential. The YMCA’s expertise
networks, coping skills and education are also
is in contributing to community health through the
critical. People who eat nutritious foods and are
delivery of programs and providing the leadership
physically active are more likely to lead longer,
necessary to create opportunities and support
healthier lives. Individuals with good mental
more people in living active, healthy, happy and
health have a greater enjoyment of life and other
rewarding lives. We are confident that we can
people—and they cope better with difficulties in
contribute to achieving this objective because of our
their personal and professional lives.
track record of forging strong partnerships.
The YMCA pioneered the development of Spirit,
In order to maximize our impact upon the health
Mind and Body in 1891 and we continue to hold a
of people in our community, our plans are based
holistic view of health that encompasses a whole
upon current research such as the “Determinants
range of quality-of-life issues. With a broad range
of Health” outlined by the Public Health Agency
of programs and services, supported by a belief
of Canada. Our emphasis on building social
in developing the whole person, the YMCA is
support networks, for example, is a direct result
uniquely positioned to be a leader and partner in
of this research. Another major influence is the
building a healthy Kitchener-Waterloo.
developmental asset framework, developed by the
We understand that no one organization has the resources or expertise to build a healthy
Search Institute, which helps guide the growth of children into responsible, successful, caring adults.
Investing in recreation enhances health and overall wellbeing
A Community in Need
Research has proven that YMCA programs
reliance on subsidized child care, use of counseling
Many people in our community are missing
have a positive impact upon low income children,
or their family’s use of food banks.
the benefits of good health. Overweight and
youth and families, dramatically enhancing their
Families in the McMaster study chose to involve
health and overall wellbeing, both today and well into the future.
their children more often in YMCA programs because of the excellent reputation of the YMCA and to re-
For example, an investment in recreation pays for
register because of the quality of the programs.
itself through the reduced use of a wide range of
Mothers reported that their children’s experience
social and health services by children according
in YMCA programs, especially day and overnight
to research led by Dr. Gina Browne of McMaster
camping, resulted in a more positive attitude, higher
University. The study also found that if children on
self-esteem and improved mental health. The children
social assistance participated in age-appropriate
were most excited by the new friends that they made.
quality child care and recreational services, there was a 10% greater exit of parents from social assistance within one year than if they did not. Providing recreation had good outcomes for the mothers too, such as reducing their use of medication, anxiety,
A similar impact is made on the lives of newcomers by reducing their sense of isolation by providing critical social networks, support and connections that helps them become valued members of our community.
obese people are at higher risk of developing a wide range of illnesses and conditions. A good example is our soaring diabetes rates. According to the 2007 Canadian Community Health Survey, 25% of adults are obese (Body Mass Index of 30 and over) in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Too many adults are overweight (Body Mass Index between 25 and 29.9) or obese because they are inactive. Increasingly our young do not have a healthy weight—21% of local youth (12-17) are overweight or obese. Yet barely one quarter of Waterloo Region residents have adopted healthy practices such as moderate exercise. Many people in our community do not share in its prosperity. About 25,000 people in Waterloo Region—more than half of them children— relied on food banks in 2008. People who have trouble buying food after they pay the rent also have difficulty affording health and recreation opportunities. Many people are new to our country and our community. About 20% of the people in our community are new to Canada. Many newcomers have trouble transferring professional credentials and getting work experience that is recognized by prospective employers. As a result, the first five years for immigrants are often difficult—one third find themselves living in poverty.
“I am delighted to see the KW YMCA make a concerted effort to shift from measuring outputs—the products of programs, like attendance figures—to measuring outcomes like assetbuilding in youth, young mothers and new Canadians.” Dr. Troy Glover, University of Waterloo Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, & Co-Director of Healthy Communities Research Network
8
The YMCA
of Tomorrow
9
“Our buildings are tools. Our programs are methods. Our mission is achieved by the impact we have on people’s lives by their participation in Y programs and services.” John Haddock, CEO
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
Investing in
Healthy Families
10
The Stork Family YMCA in West Waterloo - $9 Million The value of a Family YMCA is in the lives that it touches. We are dedicated to creating a “people place” where families, children, youth, adults and
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
seniors of all ages, abilities and ethnic backgrounds can come together to learn, play, get active and belong—a place where people can share, volunteer and help each other to pursue good health for life. The Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA has for years been actively seeking a partnership to locate a Family YMCA in an underserved area of Waterloo. That site and that partnership have been found. A new 45,000 square foot Family YMCA is to be built on a seven acre site at the intersection of Laurelwood Drive and Fischer-Hallman Road North. It will feature great facilities such as a gymnasium. indoor pool, individual conditioning centre and multipurpose rooms. Programs and services offered such as leader corps, swimming lessons and fitness
Knowledgeable and caring staff will provide encouragement and help new members reach their goals. The Stork Family YMCA’s friendly, non-intimidating environment will be welcoming to individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
The combination creates synergy and a true
classes will be similar to those currently valued at
The Stork Family YMCA will share the building with
people-friendly hub that promotes a variety of
our successful A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA.
a district branch of the Waterloo Public Library.
healthy growth opportunities.
Decisions based upon market research In February 2006, the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA commissioned a needs study of the west side of Waterloo. A market research study followed in June 2006 to test the interest in memberships and the project as proposed. Both featured approximately 400 telephone surveys of adults 20 – 64. This number of respondents and the stratification of the sample group ensured statistically valid and representative samples. The needs study also included workshops with several neighbourhood associations. LeisurePlan International Inc. conducted both studies.
“The YMCA is a fun place to be. There are lots of different things to do.” Tim Valeriote Age 9
11
Meeting a need in west Waterloo The needs study found that respondents are generally dissatisfied with the availability of recreational or community services in west Waterloo for any age group. They indicated existing services are too far away or not available at convenient times. Additional services are required. Services most required by residents included fitness classes, indoor aquatics and gymnasium sports specifically for children, youth and teens. The majority of respondents that want to participate in these services do not currently do so suggesting a lack of services and/or distance to existing services is preventing many from participating.
“I love the YMCA because it gives me an opportunity to try out great new activities. I can be me at the Y.” Anita Valeriote Age 15
A location that works Location is critical in achieving a sustainable
indicated that the most important factor is whether
location and was specifically designed and
recreation centre. According to YMCA market
people can drive to the centre within 10 minutes.
renovated to be family-friendly and suitable to the
surveys, a good site must be perceived to be
We understand the importance of location from our
convenient and accessible. Visibility provided by a major intersection such as Fischer-Hallman Road North and Laurelwood Drive and nearby places that attract “destination” use such as the District Library helps to create this perception. The needs study
program model used by modern Family YMCAs.
experience with the former Family YMCA on Lincoln
When the proposed site for a new Family YMCA in
Road—a site that lacked the demographics and
Waterloo was tested in a market research study,
visibility to support it. The facility was also not well-
location was by far the top factor for respondents
suited to today’s programming needs. In contrast,
who indicated they were very likely or somewhat
the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA benefits from its
likely to join. This verified the needs study that found that 72% of respondents rated travel time as important or extremely important to their decision to participate in fitness or recreation programs. Approximately half of respondents currently participating in activities typical of a Family YMCA were traveling more than 10 minutes. The population on the west side of Waterloo has experienced dramatic growth over the last five years. Further growth is anticipated. The estimated 136,000 people who live within a 10-minute drive of the new Stork Family YMCA are expected to increase to 151,000 by 2017. Eighty percent of members of a typical southwestern Ontario Family YMCA lives within 6 km of it. For the Waterloo site, this area includes the vast majority of those who live within a 10-minute drive. Because of this large population nearby and the lack of indoor recreation facilities on the west side of Waterloo—especially for families, the KitchenerWaterloo YMCA is confident that it can operate a sustainable facility at this site.
“The most enjoyable part of being at the Y as a family is having each of us involved in different activities and still being together as a family. I can participate in fitness activities and trust that my children will have something to do.” Caroline Valeriote
Site of the new Stork Family YMCA in Waterloo
12
“When I married Caroline we went to fitness classes together. As Anita and Tim arrived, we brought them for babysitting while we worked out. Now they are members and we spend more time than ever together at the Y.” Pat Valeriote
13
Strong membership levels forecasted Analysis of the market research indicated that a Family YMCA in this location will have between 5500 and 6500 members as a monthly average—with 50% being children and youth under 18. It is expected that half of the membership will participate as part of a family membership. By helping the whole family to live a healthy, active lifestyle, the YMCA does a better job of building strong families
Waterloo as they do in Kitchener and the site will
up to $6.5 million to make this facility a reality
also feature a Newcomer Youth Program.
and ensure a place for a Family YMCA for 49
The reach of this facility will be even greater than its core membership. It is estimated that more than 25,000 people per year will use this facility’s programs and services as a member, a day camp participant, purchasing day or swim passes and other short term opportunities to participate.
A beneficial partnership This project is possible because of a strong four-
than if it primarily served only a segment of the
way partnership. The partners include the City of
population such as adults or children.
Waterloo and the University of Waterloo in addition
The Family YMCA in Waterloo will be open to
to the Waterloo Public Library.
everyone regardless of their ability to pay the
The partnership with the City of Waterloo hastens
fees. Financial assistance will be provided to
the provision of indoor recreation services to this
approximately 20% of members at an expected
area. As a result of this partnership, the capital and
value of $150,000 per year. Newcomers will be able
operating costs are lower for each partner than if
to get trial memberships to the Family YMCA in
either moved ahead alone. The YMCA will contribute
years. We will invest another $1,000,000 to equip and furnish the facility. Operating costs of this community recreation centre will be covered by the YMCA, while the City of Waterloo will maintain the facility’s infrastructure and property. The building will be on land owned by the University of Waterloo and leased to the city.
Constructing a green building It is intended that the building will meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver building standards. The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. Construction began in late 2009 and the contractor estimates completion to be summer 2011.
YMCA Outdoor Centre $560,000 Located on the shores of Paradise Lake outside St. Clements, the award-winning YMCA Outdoor Centre has offered year round residential and day programs since 1995. It serves about 10,000 people—mostly students—a year. The centre teaches and displays how environmentally friendly lifestyles, practices and technologies are important to ensure the health of the broader community as well as the individuals that live in it, both now and
Investing in a
Healthy Environment
in the future. Through these programs the YMCA has become a leader in environmental education for Kitchener-Waterloo and the surrounding areas. We are continuing to invest in this important role through plans to expand the Centre and accommodate increased year-round programming. Upgrades to site and facilities will allow for permanent displays and incorporate environmentally sustainable features. The plan is to increase the capacity for year-round programming by adding four additional straw bale cabins along with an inter-connected program pod in the middle. Our goal is to provide an experience with deeper and more meaningful connections to the Ontario school curriculum—especially the Science and Technology strands. Interactive hands-on learning experiences will be presented through in-school programs for Kindergarten to Grade 3 students. Residential programs up to three days long are offered for students in grades 4-8. By developing more programs, groups and schools will have a choice of a greater selection of opportunities for learning and the centre will have an impact on many more students and help them learn the importance of a healthy, sustainable environment. Another important aspect of the Outdoor Centre is its programs that develop leadership and teambuilding skills. And in the summer, the Paradise Lake site is used as YMCA Camp Ki-Wa-Y and YMCA Camp Ki-Wa-Y Days.
14
Investing in Healthy
New Canadians
15
Newcomer Youth - $250,000 Few services exist in this community to serve the
The A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA has initiated a fully
completing the first phase. An emphasis is placed
large number of newcomers to Canada from 13 to
integrated program for newcomer youth to facilitate
upon providing a safe place for participants.
17 years old. The transition to life in Canada can
their transition between cultures and support their
This program works closely with the YMCA Cross
be difficult for any newcomer youth but refugee
successful integration into Canadian society. The
Cultural and Immigrant Services’ settlement and
youth in particular often struggle with barriers
first stage is a 10-week registered program that
youth workers.
such as language, culture, poverty and isolation
introduces the youth to the health, fitness and
as they try to connect with others and begin their
recreation opportunities, such as those available
process of integration. This transition is assisted
at the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA. This stage gives
by giving these youth a safe environment without
them a chance to meet new friends, presents them
teasing or bullying and the opportunity to fit in.
information about the YMCA’s core values and
The Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA had been offering a drop-in program for Newcomer Youth but it had only been able to reach a portion of them. After reviewing the program model carefully, a plan has been developed to enhance and expand this
membership etiquette, and creates an opportunity to improve their communication skills. When a participant is ready, they can move into the second stage where they have the chance to participate in other YMCA programs.
program to increase its impact. The goal is to
Mentors are an important part of the program. The
address issues faced by these youth such as
mentors will be newcomer youth and adults who
social isolation and finding how to live in a new
are ready to help others. Youth who participate will
society and culture.
have an opportunity to become mentors after
The supportive social environment created at the YMCA allows young newcomers to improve their ability to interact more effectively, make healthy lifestyle choices and build social capital as they transition into Canadian culture. These youth will take their experiences and leadership development skills back to their cultural groups as an ambassador. By doing so, they will help break down cultural barriers and build social competencies. Having already established this program, we are looking to build a solid foundation to ensure we can not only maintain it but that we can expand its reach so that we can assist as many newcomer youth as possible.
Investing in
Healthy Kids
16
The Virtual YMCA - $350,000 Ensuring the future health of our community relies on providing all our kids with the tools they need to succeed. The YMCA has established a Virtual YMCA at St. John’s Catholic Elementary School in Kitchener. Located in one of our community’s underserved neighbourhoods, the Virtual YMCA engages 40 youth, Grades 1 to 6, in a consistent and holistic program focused on the individual’s healthy development in Spirit (values and assets), Mind (academics) and Body (recreation). The program is literacy-based, focusing on academic support and social growth with a program model based on learning enhancement, health and recreation, values education, and building self confidence. Although offered after school, it is not a typical after school program. This program weaves a proven program model with community supports to sustain children in school with access to information, resources and services for parents, as well as a focus on strengthening the neighbourhood. The Virtual YMCA is located in a school that has been identified as potentially benefiting from additional academic, recreation, and social
supports. The Community Fit for Children Report, Waterloo Region demographic information, 20052006 EQAO test results, and existing community resources and programs have all been taken into consideration to identify the neighbourhoods that could benefit from this program. Poverty, language, nutrition and an inability to access arts, recreation, and community resources are often barriers to achieving success. Children living in underserved neighbourhoods may face more barriers to maximizing their potential, accessing resources and achieving good health. With a focus on prevention, the Virtual YMCA provides children with the additional help and attention they need to succeed in their academic studies thereby reducing language and literacy barriers. Physical activity increases appreciation of team work, good sportsmanship, problem solving and co-operation while building self-confidence and self-esteem. Children feel valued, safe and free to express their thoughts and feelings and as a result develop caring supportive relationships with adults and peers and experience decreased incidence
of bullying. Overall health is reinforced through the provision of healthy snacks and activities that emphasize positive lifestyle choices. We believe it is imperative to include the community within our weekly program and at two community events. We have determined that the most effective way to ensure weekly community involvement is by highlighting community partnership on “Club Day.” A community volunteer with a vested interest in the “club theme” will be invited to participate in the Virtual YMCA program by offering leadership to the theme based “clubs.” For example, a Community Nutrition Worker could lead a Cooking Club. The Virtual YMCA is an innovative initiative that creates a positive, healthy environment that supports school, family and community. We are excited to bring a program that has been proven to work in other communities to Kitchener-Waterloo. The first Virtual YMCA opened in late 2007 with an additional one to be initiated in Waterloo by 2010. We want to make a minimum five year commitment to each neighbourhood.
Funding
Our Vision
17
Our plans for the future are based upon solid research, a careful assessment of current community
The Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA is poised to build
needs and realistic projections for future demand. At the core of the planning process is the solid
upon its success in building strong kids and
foundation of programming based on our mission, vision and our values—acceptance, balance, caring,
families. We are very excited about how our
giving and responsibility. These values are important in building healthy lives.
proposed projects can help bring our vision alive and make an impact upon the health of
To achieve this important vision for the future will require a significant commitment in capital expenditures and programming. The total funding needs for the identified priority projects requires an investment by the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA of $10 million.
Over the years, community leaders have shown $8,200,000 $800,000
they care about the overall health of the people of Kitchener-Waterloo through their work with and support of the YMCA. Now is the time
INVESTING IN HEALTHY KIDS 2 Virtual YMCAs for 5 years
$350,000
for today’s generation to meet the challenge of helping the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA
INVESTING IN A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT Outdoor Centre upgrades
$560,000
INVESTING IN HEALTHY NEW CANADIANS Newcomer Youth Program for 5 years
$250,000
contribute to building a healthy community— both today and into the future.
Total
Campaign Expenses 1.7% of target
generous supporters and strong partners, we can make it happen.
INVESTING IN HEALTHY FAMILIES Stork Family YMCA in West Waterloo YMCA Contribution to Project Equipment & Furnishings
our rapidly growing community. With the help of
$10,210,000 $175,000
Grand Total
$10,385,000
We hope that you share our vision and believe it is vital to our community’s future. Thank YOU for giving us your time and considering supporting our efforts to contribute to building a healthy community.
Together, we can build a healthy community 18
Administration Offices 460 Frederick St., Suite 203 Kitchener, ON N2H 2P5 t. 519-584-7479 f. 519-576-6223 Community Children Services 161 Roger St. Waterloo, ON N2J 1B1 t. 519-741-8585 f. 519-741-9641 Cross Cultural & Immigrant Services 800 King St. W., Suite 301 Kitchener, ON N2G 1E8 t. 519-579-9622 f. 519-579-9624 Financial Development 460 Frederick St., Suite 203 Kitchener, ON N2H 2P5 t. 519-584-7479 f. 519-576-6223 Health, Fitness & Recreation 333 Carwood Ave. Kitchener, ON N2G 3C5 t. 519-743-5201 f. 519-743-5204 Outdoor Services Box 127 St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0 t. 519-699-5100 f. 519-699-5160
ARKFamilyY.ca
The Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA’s Charitable Registration #BN 10757 2687 RR0001 03-11