1100 children served

 

Five staff members of BGCP shared information on this program which currently serves about 1100 children in Brampton and Mississauga through a variety of programs.

 

This includes  afterschool and evening outreach programs, summer camps, computer access and homework assistance, as well as leadership development.

They operate in low income areas where families live below the low income cut-off, where risk factors include single parent families (50%), victims of family violence and new immigrants.  Many are held in partnership with Peel Living, which provides community room space at their various housing locations.

 

Abby di Silva, Program Director with this non-profit organization for 25 years described the positive role modelling that comes from the program for at-risk youth.  Where appropriate family members may also be involved with training and workshops, games and outings.  The annual fee for a child is $5, while family registration is $8.  So this is a very accessible program for the target group.

 

Tamika Malcolm, Youth Leadership and Mentor coordinator, was a member of the Club herself for 10 years before taking leadership training.  Once this was completed, Tamika found a paid staff position with BGCP.  Her childhood involvement helped her through tough times when it would have been possible to take a negative path, but the values gained from her involvement gave her direction and hope for her future.  She runs a successful “Youth on a Roll” leadership program addressing substance abuse, internet safety, bullying and violence prevention.  Tamika also coordinates sessions between youth and seniors to share and build relationships.

 

Nikki Amrith, Family Support Supervisor works with families involved with BGCP to ensure the children are reinforced at home in their skills development, and she offer support where needed.

 

Michael Gyovai, Resource Development Manager recently joined the organization and will be working to development partnerships and funding opportunities.

 

Jim Turner, BGCP Executive Director, thanked Rotary for the opportunity to present.  He noted that funding help would be appreciated as there are more needy areas to be addressed. He shared the vision that every child involved with BGCP is helped to achieve his/her  goals, by removing fear and learning critical skills.   The children and youth have a lot of fun too.

 

This delegation certainly expressed much passion for their work.  They were thanked by Matt Samatas of our Club.