programs girls incorporated handbook
Mission
The mission of the YWCA West Central Michigan is:
Eliminating Racism
Empowering Women
The YWCA West Central Michigan is an affiliate of Girls Incorporated® which strives to enable girls to be Strong, Smart and Bold™ and to achieve their full potential through programming that builds their capacity for confident and responsible adulthood, economic independence and personal fulfillment.
Program Goal
- Focus on asset building activities that encourage emotional security, social development, safety, athletic and academic achievement in order to reduce girls' vulnerability to violence.
- Strive to enhance the capacity of adults (parents and mentors) to support, nurture, and guide our girls.
Hours of Operation
After School Programs:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays5:00pm - 6:30pm (doors open at 4:00pm)
Academic Tutoring:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays4:00pm - 5:00pm
Summer Day-Camp Hours:
June - AugustMonday - Friday
8:30am - 5:00pm
Food/Snacks
After school: snacks will be provided to all girls enrolled in the program.
Summer Program: Parents are responsible for providing lunch for their child. A breakfast snack and an afternoon snack will be provided by Girls Incorporated® at the YWCA West Central Michigan.
Arrival and Departure
Girls must be accompanied by the parent/guardian or YWCA staff to the program. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide transportation to the YWCA. (Requests for transportation will be considered on a case by case basis).
For the After-School Program (Sept. - May), girls must be picked up by 6:30 pm each day, unless other arrangements have been made. A late fee of $30 per 1/2 hour will be assessed for girls picked up after 6:30 pm. If a child has not been picked up by 7:30 pm and special arrangements have not been made, and all attempts to reach the parent/guardian have not been successful, Children's Protective Services will be notified.
For the Summer Program (June - August), children must be picked up by 5:00 pm. A late fee of $30 per 1/2 hour will be assessed for girls picked up after 5:00PM. If a child has not been picked up one hour after the program ends, and special arrangements have not been made, and all attempts to reach the parent/guardian have not been successful, Children's Protective Services will be notified.
Medication
The staff will not dispense any type of medication, and parents will be asked not to bring medication to the YWCA. (Note: for special cases, please see the Program Director.)
In Case of Emergency
Parents/guardians will be notified immediately in case of emergency involving sickness and/or injury. If hospitalization is necessary, a staff member will accompany the child and remain until the parents arrive. Any expenses for treatment and/or transportation are the responsibility of the parent.
Severe Weather
When there is severe weather, the YWCA will announce all program closings on radio and TV, or you can call 616.459.7062 ext.160 or 616.459.4681 for more information. As a general rule, if the Grand Rapids Public Schools are closed, Girls Incorporated® programs will be cancelled as well.
Discipline
Girls will be assisted to resolve problems and to take responsibility for their own actions. If a child disrupts activities or threatens the security of others, positive discipline will be enforced through the use of conflict resolution strategies. If disruptive behavior persists, parents will be notified, and/or the child will be referred to the appropriate YWCA Counseling Center staff or school administrator.
Programs
Academic Tutoring/Mentoring
Success in school is important. To support girls during the school year, we offer academic tutoring in all subjects at the YWCA.
Girls Inc. Curricula
Girls, Inc. Curricula – The YWCA Girls Program is pleased to announce the Fall 2007 programs available for girls ages 9-18. We are an affiliate of Girls Incorporated ®, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold SM. We offer programs in the areas of Careers & Life Planning, Culture & Heritage, Self Reliance & Life Skills, Health & Sexuality, and Leadership & Community Action.
Summer
(One and two-week camps, June - August)
Enjoy, explore and make great friends. We have the perfect summer day-camp for girls.
We offer all the great fun activities you see during the school year and…
• Exciting field trips to movies, art museums, or cultural sites
• Hands-on practice with research in our own science room
• Chances to meet women doing interesting jobs
• Opportunities to figure out how you too can be “strong, smart & bold”TM
Space is limited. For more information, call Maya at 616.459.7062 ext. 302 or Shanda at ext 249.
Girls Incorporated Operation SMART ®
(Ages 9 - 12)
Girls learn what's fun in science, math, technology, and related careers.
Girls Incorporated Girls Dig it ®
(Ages 11-13)
Girls have the opportunity to explore questions of gender and culture through the world of archeology.
Girls Incorporated Project Bold / Action for Safety ®
(Ages 9 - 14)
Girls learn to lead safer lives by developing strategies for self-defense and violence prevention.
Girls Incorporated Economic Literacy She's On The Money ®
(Ages 12-14)
September 18 - December 9, 2007 - Girls learn the skills and self-confidence they need to contribute to the economy and make Strong, Smart, and Bold decisions about their financial futures. Girls learn how to budget, save, take informed financial risks, and avoid feeling intimidated about money.
Girls Incorporated Friendly PEERsuasion ®
(Ages 9 - 11)
Girls learn skills for resisting pressure to use harmful substances and drugs.
* Note: This program has been designated as an "Effective Program" by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.
Girls Incorporated Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy ®
Girls learn personal skills for avoiding early pregnancy through communication skills, basic health education, and planning for their future:
- Growing Together (Ages 9-11 with parent/guardian)
- Will Power/Won't Power (Ages 12-14)
- Taking Care of Business (Ages 15-18)
- Health Bridge
Girls Incorporated Media Literacy ®
(Ages 9-18)
Girls are equipped with critical thinking skills to filter out damaging media messages delivered through film, radio, television, magazines, books, etc.
Girls Incorporated Discovery Leadership ®
(Ages 9-12)
Girls build leadership skills and create lasting social change by working with women partners on community action projects. They enjoy games, crafts, and field trips.
Girls Incorporated Project Bold ®
Living Safe and Strong
(Ages 12-14)
January 22 - May 20, 2008 - Engages girls in awareness, discovery, reflection, and action on violence issues in their lives; increase knowledge of community resources and advocacy around female violence prevention.
Girls Incorporated Economic Literacy ®
(Ages 9-11)
January 22 - May 20, 2008 - Introduces girls to basic economic and financial concepts, including money management, investments and global economics.
Girls Incorporated Will Power/Won'tPower/Taking Care of Business®
(Ages 12-14 & 15-18)
Enables girls to develop crucial attitudes & skills for dealing with health and sexuality issues by building their capacity to make good decisions.
Girls Incorporated Sporting Chance®
(Ages 9-11)
Builds movement and athletic skills, cooperative and competitive spirit, health awareness and interest in all sports as girls explore the benefits of an active lifestyle.
For More Information Contact:
YWCA Girls Incorporated Program
25 Sheldon Blvd. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 459-7062 x160
