STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY CASINO ROAD YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER STAKEHOLDER UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2014
IN THIS ISSUE: • LUZ’S MY Y STORY • IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS • ROYEL’S MY Y STORY • STAFF MESSAGE In fall 2014, the YMCA and Sylvan Learning Center partnered to provide a General Education Development (GED) tutoring program, designed to prepare immigrants to pass the GED test.
• YEAR THREE CELEBRATION
LUZ’S MY Y STORY: THE VALUE OF EDUCATION When Luz Ceja was 17, she and her husband left Mexico in pursuit of a better life in the U.S. She never finished high school in Mexico, but is now preparing to take the General Education Development (GED) exam, thanks to an innovative new partnership between the YMCA and Sylvan Learning Center. Last fall the Y partnered with Sylvan to pilot a GED tutoring program at the Casino Road Youth Development Center for immigrants looking to expand their knowledge and prepare for the workforce.
“It’s important to have a GED program on Casino Road,” Luz says. “There are many, like me, who left their country to pursue a better life, but sacrificed their education. I want to provide for my family with a better job, but a lack of a high school degree makes it difficult.” Luz says the class has strengthened her confidence, dedication, and commitment to her education.
There are many like me who left their country to pursue a better life, but sacrificed their education.
In the new GED program, the Y served 8-13 participants each week, providing tutoring each Wednesday, computer access for practice each Friday, and free on-site child care, all supported by donations to the Y’s Annual Campaign.
“I can now follow along with my two teenagers with their math without feeling helpless,” Luz says. “Before, it was very intimidating and overwhelming understanding my kids’ homework.”
The Y’s new GED program and existing English for Speakers of Other Languages classes are a part of a broader vision to provide adult education programs to those living on Casino Road.
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
82%
Casino Road Scholars increased their GPA through daily academic support at Horizon Elementary.
47
Casino Road youth learned to swim through low-cost outreach swim lessons at the Mukilteo YMCA.
115
New immigrants participated in our English for Speakers of Other Languages classes in the past 12 months.
8
Graduates in the YMCA’s new GED class for recent immigrants, in partnership with Sylvan Learning Center.
14
Average number of children cared for by YMCA staff and volunteers each week while their parents prepared for the GED.
97
MAP students participated in after-school activities during the 2013-2014 school year.
94%
MAP Participants agree “MAP helped me be on track for higher education.”
82%
MAP Participants agree “MAP helped me improve my grades in school.”
94%
MAP Participants agree “YMCA staff really care about me.”
ROYEL’S MY Y STORY: BECOMING A SCHOLAR Royel, a Horizon Elementary fourth grader, hasn’t always felt successful at school. A year ago, Royel was struggling with missing assignments, behavior referrals, and conflicts with his teachers. His mother, Erica, worried about him, but was overwhelmed with her job as the sole financial provider for the family, and helping her own mother who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Erica needed help to make sure Royel got on the right path. In October, Erica learned about the YMCA’s new program at Horizon Elementary: Casino Road Scholars. Teachers referred 30 fourth- and fifth-grade students to the Scholars program to receive intensive academic intervention, including 2.5 hours of extended learning after school.
A year ago, I was worried about him getting in trouble with school staff, and schoolwork was slipping.
Royel’s teacher referred him to the scholars program to receive mentoring, support, and encouragement. Erica has seen big changes since Royal became a Scholar. “A year ago, I was worried about him getting in trouble with school staff, and schoolwork was slipping,” says Erica. “I now can rely on the YMCA to help him and our family out.” Erica says the YMCA staff have been a big part of Royel’s success. “Vonnie, the Casino Road Scholars leader, is always here to help,” says Erica. “I’ve seen Royel improve with his behavior and demeanor in school, trusting other adults, and improving school work, and attendance at school to be able to go to Scholars.” At the end of his 4th grade year, Royel achieved nearly a full grade-point increase in math and language arts, and is meeting all expectations for classroom behavior. With the help of the Y through the Scholars program, Royel is on track for a great future.
CALL FOR SUPPORT We need your help! The Casino Road Youth Development Center is looking for volunteers to tutor youth, provide child care during English for Speakers of Other Languages and GED classes, and provide donations of board games, books, and arts and crafts supplies. To donate your time or items, contact Casino Road Youth Development Center Director Alex Costumbrado at acostumbrado@ymca-snoco.org or 425 512 8050.
STAFF MESSAGE: SERVING MORE BECAUSE OF YOU This September we celebrate the third anniversary of the opening of the Casino Road Youth Development Center. As the lowest-income community in Snohomish County, Casino Road is home to thousands of families who face challenges that many of us cannot imagine. To support these kids, teens, and adults, the Y has worked with partner organizations to create a network of programs and activities to serve more than 700 individuals since we opened in September 2011. Here are the highlights from this past year: • HELPING KIDS ACHIEVE: Through the new Casino Road Scholars program, the Y partnered with Horizon Elementary to provide 2.5 hours of extended learning each day to 28 struggling fourth and fifthgrade students. The average Scholar improved their grade point by nearly .5 from fall 2013 to spring 2014. • SUPPORTING NEW IMMIGRANTS: We’ve expanded our English for Speakers of Other Languages classes to four sites in the county, serving 115 immigrants last year thanks to support from United Way and Goodwill. The Y also served eight adults in a new, eight-month GED preparation class, a partnership with Sylvan Learning Center, and provided child care for parents during these programs. • EXPANDING OUR HOURS & FEEDING KIDS: With support from the Gates Foundation, the Y extended the Center’s hours to include Saturday and Sunday afternoons during the 2013-2014 school year. With support from the Mukilteo School District and generous volunteers, we provided hot meals to all drop-in youth each Saturday and Sunday, as well as to our Scholars at Horizon Elementary five nights a week in the spring. •
TEACHING SWIMMING SKILLS: The Y recently began offering low-cost swim lessons targeting Casino Road youth. Since completing two week-long sessions at the Mukilteo YMCA, 47 kids now know essential aquatic skills. With your support, we’ll continue to strive to serve the families of Casino Road in new, meaningful ways each year. Thank you for your help.
Alex Costumbrado , CRYDC Director & Cory Armstrong-Hoss, Mukilteo YMCA Associate Executive
The Casino Road Youth Development Center newsletter is published by the YMCA of Snohomish County to update community members about the center’s programs, news, and events. If you no longer wish to receive this mailing, please contact Cory Armstrong-Hoss at 425 493 2414 or carmstronghoss@ymca-snoco.org. For more information on YMCA programs and services, visit www.ymca-snoco.org
OUR MISSION:
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
To inspire, nurture, and strengthen culturally vibrant communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
The YMCA of Snohomish County makes every effort to ensure that no person, especially youth, will be denied access to programs and membership because of financial hardship. The YMCA’s Financial Assistance Program is supported by contributes to our Annual Campaign and United Way.
CELEBRATING THREE YEARS OF IMPACT ON CASINO ROAD YMCA OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY Mukilteo Family YMCA 10601 47th Place West Mukilteo, WA 98275
IN THIS ISSUE: • LUZ’S MY Y STORY • IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS • ROYEL’S MY Y STORY • STAFF MESSAGE • YEAR THREE CELEBRATION
JOIN US FOR A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION! Your generosity and support help us serve kids and families on Casino Road. Please join us to hear stories of impact, celebrate successes, and hear about the future. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 5:30-7 pm Children’s Village 14 E. Casino Road, Everett Light appetizers will be served. Program begins at 5:45 pm. RSVP by September 15 to Merrie Babazadeh at mbabazadeh@ymca-snoco.org or 425 493 2424
NEW! Complimentary child care will be available during the celebration.