These results-oriented partner agencies help educate and build skills and character in people of all ages
To promote their healthy development, homeless children at the La Mesita Child Development Center participate in a program of licensed child care. During the past year, 98 children were served by this program through A New Leaf. Seventy-nine percent of the homeless children, ages six weeks to five years, who were enrolled in the program demonstrated improved performance of age related tasks as defined by the Denver II Assessment after 60 to 90 days in the program.
Women 18 years and older can find help in re-establishing their lives through the teaching, training and self-esteem building programs at the Lighthouse Women’s Resource Center. During the past year, 446 women have received support and participated in personal development programs such as GED preparation and computer training offered by Women of Power International.
Over 1,050 youths participated in the Youth-After-School Program of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley during this past year. The members were provided with a room and volunteers to help with their homework. Other programs included character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills as well as sports, fitness, and recreation opportunities.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley continued their successful Teen Project Learn program which included their character and leadership oriented Keystone Club for youth. Fourteen sessions of “Passport 2 Manhood” focused on learning resistance skills to ADOTs (alcohol, tobacco and other drugs) and the changes that young men go through during the transition to manhood. In addition, there were 12 “Smart Girls” sessions which also focused on ADOTs as well as mentoring with the younger members.
This year, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley were able to provide 280 Scholarships for Day Camps to needy young people in our community who would not otherwise be able to participate in Summer Enhancement Program activities. All of the youth that participate are surrounded by positive adults who offer daily programs to boost self-esteem which allows them to fulfill their potential and become positive, value-oriented and productive citizens.
Almost 13,000 youth participated in Boy Scouting in Mesa this past year. This is a top-quality program run by The Boy Scouts of America - Grand Canyon Council which provides character development, leadership training and citizenship training to young people between the ages of 6 and 21. The highlight of their advancement program is earning the Eagle Scout Rank. Three hundred ten Scouts in Mesa achieved this during 2010, planning and conducting projects that involved 57,000 service hours.
Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council had 1,937 Mesa girls registered in their Girl Scouting in Mesa program this year. By earning badges, Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts demonstrate comfort and confidence as they try new things and explore their interests. The young ladies participated in a number of learning and service activities including “Kids in the Kitchen,” Camp Sombrero, planting flowers at the Flag Pole in Gilbert, and working at the House of Refuge.
Over the past year, 190 youth participated in the Gene Lewis Boxing Club. One hundred percent of students progressed in the areas of self-esteem and confidence as witnessed and reported by parents. The club also saw an increase in students seeking to assist their parents and families.
The Y-We-R-One Spirit Mind and Body program at the Valley of the Sun YMCA provides multi-faceted age-appropriate activities primarily for low income children, youth and teens ages 3 to 18. During the past year, 248 young people participated in the youth and teen programs focusing on health and wellness (fitness classes, nutrition, and circuit training), development (technology center and tutoring, life-skills and leadership programs) and recreation (tumble, dance, aquatic, arts and crafts).
The Educational Individual Development Account (IDA) Program at Mesa Community Action Network, Inc. provides matching funds to low-income working poor individuals to help them pursue higher education at Mesa Community College and other Arizona colleges and universities. Individuals must save regularly for at least six months and also complete a financial literacy program in order to draw matching funds to pay for their education. During the past year, 127 new individuals participated in the program. One hundred percent of the fourth quarter participants saved regularly and 33 percent completed their financial literacy requirement.