| Sept. 2008 |
Vol. 1, Issue 6 |
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| Greetings! |
| Fall has arrived. In many ways, it's the real beginning of the year. The kids go back to school and everyone settles into new routines. This issue of Spirit, Mind and Body has many healthy choices for you and your family. |
| Two new YMCA Child Cares open! |
Two new YMCA Child Care centres opened on September 2 at the two new public schools-- J.W. Gerth Public School (pictured above) in the Doon area of Kitchener and Edna Staebler Public School in the Clair Hills neighbourhood in Waterloo. Each site cares for children from 18 months until 12 years of age.
They both essentially opened full. A few programs may have some space but others have waiting lists. Both are off to a great start and look forward to "official openings" later in the school year. |
| Nominations open for YMCA Peace Medallions |
 The YMCA of Cambridge and the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA are working together this year to promote and celebrate YMCA Peace Week in November. For example, for the first time both YMCAs are awarding medallions in the same categories, using the same criteria and sharing the support they are receiving from their sponsors. Each YMCA will award their own medallions at ceremonies in Cambridge and Kitchener.
The YMCAs each seek nominations of individuals and groups who are making a difference in our neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces, and communities or across the world. Nominations are being accepted in three categories:
- Strong Kid: This category recognizes young people under 19 years old who are acting today to change our world rather than waiting to be a leader of tomorrow.
- Strong Role Model: An adult (19 years +) who inspires others-especially kids-by demonstrating how we can all be socially responsible.
- Strong Community: A group can make a difference by thinking globally or acting locally. It could be a Waterloo Region based group or a local branch of a national or international organization.
Nominations are open until October 20. Full details and an online nomination form are available at: ymcacambridge.ca or kwymca.org . Nomination forms are also available at all YMCA locations. | |
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Helping newcomers start their own business |
The Business Quest program is ready to help newcomers who are planning to open their own small business. The program will be of a great support and help to qualified, motivated individuals who have a viable business idea and want to start a small business. This is a FREE program funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI) that is available to newcomers to Canada in both Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo.
Participants will learn about how business is done in Canada, about cultural and ethical expectations, identify their entrepreneurial characteristics and potential, explore their business idea, develop small business skills including communication, negotiation, marketing, presentation and selling skills. They will develop a viable business plan, learn from coaching and mentoring, and finally start their own business. Business Quest is a partnership between Lutherwood and the YMCA Cross Cultural & Immigrant Services. |
| Support your local United Way Campaign |
The YMCA is a member of the United Way in both Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo. We are extremely grateful for the support that we receive because it helps us to ensure more people can enjoy the benefits of YMCA programs and services. We encourage you to make a donation to your local United Way. |
| Exciting new programs launched at Family YMCAs |
A number of new and exciting youth and adult programs have been launched at the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA. New adult programs are Power Barbell, Breakthrough: Bone Health for Adults, and Urban Poling. There's also interesting new youth programs such as the S.B.a.R. Club (Swim, Bike and Run Club) and Aquatic Leader Corps. Learn more on kwymca.org .
The newest programs at the Chaplin Family YMCA are Tai Chi (for adults) and Snorkeling (all ages). There are also several programs introduced in the spring that may interest you they are I Wanna Walk, Never Bee Lost, Stranger Smarts (all for kids) and Zumba (adults). Learn more on ymcacambridge.com.
If you are not already a member, make a healthy choice for you and your family by joining today! Or on October 4, use the Day Pass for Families found at the bottom of this e-news.
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| Water - The Essential Nutrient |
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by Dave Patterson, BSc (Kin), MTS
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA Volunteer
We are fortunate to live in a country with such an ample supply of fresh water. But did you know that H2O is our most essential nutrient? Water is an indispensable building block for virtually every bodily process. We could fast from food for weeks, but we could only last a few days without water before experiencing significant ill-effects.
So here are some tips for healthy fluid consumption:
1. Aim for about 6 - 8 cups of water intake every day.
2. If you know a physical workout is scheduled, try to get in a little extra water beforehand, leaving time of course to urinate prior to exercise.
3. Thirst is a poor indicator of need. After sweaty exertion, our body's thirst trigger lags behind actual need. Don't wait till your body is dying to drink. Mild dehydration may subtly manifest itself as a headache, or as mental or physical lethargy.
4. There's nothing better than water for replenishing water. Fruit juices are tasty but they add extra sugar and calories. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages are poor choices. If you find water to be a bit bland, add a fruit slice or low-cal flavouring for a little zip.
Ah water, you have it in you! Remember: stay fit for life!
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| Collaboration Update: New programs and services for newcomers in Cambridge |
A great example of the benefits of collaboration is how the two YMCAs are working together to offer two programs in Cambridge. They have actually been sharing a staff member since May. The YMCA of Cambridge received funding from the Province of Ontario to run a Newcomer Settlement Program (NSP) with a part time staff member. At the same time, the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA wanted to expand its YMCA Host Mentorship Program by having a constant presence in Cambridge. It chose to use funding provided by the Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN) to fund the rest of the staff member's time.
These programs work well together. NSP compliments other existing programs by broadening the criteria for participation to include newcomers who are refugees or already Canadian Citizens. It also tries to help newcomers become engaged in all aspects of life in Canada. The YMCA Host Mentorship Program connects internationally-trained professionals with their Canadian counterparts to guide their search for a job in their field.
A few other highlights:
- More Language Assessments of newcomers are happening in Cambridge since they started being offered at the YMCA office in addition to the Cambridge English School. Getting an assessment is an important step in accessing a wide range of language training and other programs in the community, not to mention awareness of and increased confidence in one's English language abilities.
- There have been significant changes to the Immigrant Settlement & Adaptation Program in Cambridge. The three part-time ISAP settlement counselors have been increased to full-time. One part-time counsellor, a full time administrative support and a receptionist have also been added.
- Business Quest (see earlier in e-news) is also open to newcomers in Cambridge.
More information on collaboration is posted on both the YMCA of Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA websites. |
| How you can build strong kids: Keep RAISE in mind |
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RAISE is an acronym that helps everyone to understand the value of building positive relationships, engaging and empowering young people and doing things with young people on purpose. Its how the YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo evaluate current actions, programs and materials and make decisions for the future.
- Build Relationships.
- Engage Adults & young people together
- Be Intentional
- Build on Strengths
- Empower young people.
You can also use it to guide your efforts to build strong kids. |
| My YMCA Story: New GMs at both Family YMCAs |
Over the summer, both Family YMCAs welcomed new General Managers. Joanne Lea is the new General Manager at the Chaplin Family YMCA in Cambridge and Kim McLean is the new General Manager at the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA. Both have been involved with our YMCAs for a long time. We welcome them and wish them the best!
Here are a couple stories to help introduce Joanne and Kim to you. The stories show how a connection to the YMCA can grow from something small to something significant as a result of the people met throughout someone's experience with the Y.
Joanne Lea's Story Prior to becoming the GM at the Chaplin Family YMCA, Joanne Lea was the Senior Director of Member Services and Health, Fitness and Recreation. She joined the YMCA of Cambridge 16 years ago as a part time babysitter at the old Melville location. With much encouragement and a desire to obtain full time employment, she completed her NLS and group fitness certifications. Over the years she has had the opportunity to supervise wellness, children's programs, and day camp. Read the rest of Joanne's story.
Kim McLean's Story
My story begins much like thousands of others, as a young person learning to swim. There had been no other recreational facilities in our small community until the YMCA was built in the early 1980s. I had the opportunity to go to the YMCA with my Grade 4 class to take swimming lessons. It was fun. I was encouraged by the staff and volunteers, and I excelled. The feeling of accomplishment heightened my confidence and self-esteem. It made me ambitious; it made me proud of who I was and who I was becoming. Read the rest of Kim's story. |
| High School Orientations held for teen newcomers to Canada |
| This year as part of the Settlement & Education Partnership in Waterloo Region (SEPWR) program, we ran a Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) as a pilot project in Kitchener for the first time. The program was running during the last week of August at St. Mary's H.S. and Forest Height C.I.
This program is designed to train high school students (Peer Leaders) who were newcomers themselves to help newcomer students to their schools. Settlement workers and teachers supported and supervised the program, which is delivered by the Peer Leaders. A total of 10 peer leaders were selected (five at each school) and two ESL teachers (one from each school) were hired to be part of the program. There were 16 students at St. Mary's and 12 at Forest Heights.
The program was very successful, as a result newcomer students have built relationships and friendship with peer leaders and each other, and they become familiar with the school policies, rules and regulations, the school building, the staff, time tables, etc. Peer leaders have gained leadership skills and confidence. They indicated that the program helped them develop positive characteristics. Very positive feedback was received from all participants.
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| Upcoming events and notes on past events |
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YMCA OUTDOOR CENTRE participates in Doors Open Waterloo Region,Saturday, September 20, 2008, most sites open 10-4. Discover significant architectural and historical sites across Waterloo Region. 2008 special theme: Old Buildings - New Ideas. ADMISSION FREE. Pick up a map & guide at libraries, museums and tourism offices across Waterloo Region from July-September, or in the Record on Saturday, September 13.
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The Z Beside the Y helped run a carwash as part of Midas Mufflers 40th Anniversary celebrations.The event raised $500. Read all about it in Cambridge NOW!.
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Teens may want to check out the Z's Part 1 of Battle of the Bands, Saturday, Sept. 20, 6 - 11. Cost is $7 or $5 with a non perishable food item.
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On Sept. 24 from 2 - 3 p.m, the Waterloo West location of the YMCA Ontario Early Years Centre presents Construction Zone. Explore the world of a builder! This program will encourage children between 3 - 6 years old to paint, nail, build and play. Registration is required. Call 519-741-8585.
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The Chaplin Family YMCA presents a Wellness Health Fair on October 20 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 4 - 8 p.m.. Many local health organizations are participating. To learn more, contact Carla Almeida.
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Thank you for reading this issue of Spirit, Mind & Body. Please forward to families and friends who may be interested by using the forward feature below.
Sincerely, |
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The YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo |
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