Leagues for poor teens around the world
It’s “Game On!” for Children International and the International Alliance For Youth Sports (IAYS) as they announce a partnership that brings organized sports leagues to poor children and teens around the world!
For Children International, a U.S.-based humanitarian organization which helps more than 335,000 poor children, 135,000 of those being teens between ages 12-19, the partnership supports community development in poverty-stricken areas. IAYS teaches a program to volunteers called Game On! Youth Sports that encourages fun, participation and positive competition, while integrating life skills into its lessons.
“Millions of children in the U.S. benefit physically and socially from playing sports, but for millions of children around the world this simply isn’t the case,” said IAYS Founder Fred Engh. “Children International, working hand in hand with IAYS, is bringing organized sports to children throughout their agencies worldwide to show the world that sports aren’t simply throwing or kicking a ball, but more so, the opportunity to teach life skills that can enhance the lives of children everywhere.”
Game On! has been widely popular around the world since its inception. Highly successful programs have been held throughout Africa, India, Central America and the Caribbean, which have impacted thousands of children.
After launching a children’s soccer league in Mexico and with new leagues in Colombia expected by early 2010, Game On! Youth Sports encourages participation from parents, teachers, teens and volunteers wishing to coach teams and organize games. By providing volunteer training, IAYS teaches parents and volunteers interpersonal communication skills which improve their relationships with children in their community. Training also enables teens to co-captain many younger teams. The sense of pride parents and volunteers receive from overseeing teams and leagues often provides them with self-esteem and better leadership tools.
Game On! Youth Sports appeals to populations of underserved, impoverished teens who are at-risk of dropping out of school and taking part in risky behaviors, such as gangs, early pregnancy, drug abuse or crime. Through the program, teens are encouraged to participate in leagues where they learn skills like making a life plan, decision-making, resisting peer pressure and conflict resolution, motivating them to stay in school.
Children International’s President and CEO Jim Cook said, “Children International is excited to work with IAYS on real community development at the grassroots level. Using sports as a medium to teach parents and children new skills will improve their lives and help remove the stigma poverty places on their lives.”
Source: Children International
Foster Families and Children To Pitch In at Padres Game
May 16 events celebrate National Foster Care Month
To celebrate National Foster Care Month, more than 200 children and families involved in the foster care system will attend the San Diego Padres game on Saturday, May 16. Casey Family Programs and organizations from the San Diego Foster Care Coalition are coordinating the day-long events, starting with a pre-game “tailgate party” to honor San Diego County’s foster and adoptive parents.
For children in foster care, living a “normal” life can seem a distant dream. On Saturday these children will have the opportunity to enjoy a few carefree hours at the ballpark with those who care for them — something all children need.
The festivities are designed to raise awareness about the nearly 5,000 children in San Diego County’s foster care system. The pre-game event will include entertainment, activities for children, food, and a resource fair with information on support services for foster, kinship and adoptive families. The program begins at 2:00 p.m. at Casey Family Programs, 3878 Old Town Avenue in San Diego.
After the “tailgate party” the families will head to PETCO Park for the 7:05 p.m. Padres game against the Cincinnati Reds. The public will be encouraged to “Pitch In … Change a Lifetime” for children and youth in foster care. The Padres will provide announcements during the game and a special kiosk near the bleacher seats will have information on what everyone can do to help youth and families.
Each May, National Foster Care Month focuses attention on the nearly 500,000 children in foster care in America. The month also salutes the compassionate people who make a difference by serving as foster parents, relative caregivers, mentors, advocates, social workers, and volunteers. Children in foster care need what every child needs to thrive — a safe, loving and permanent home. An evening at the ballpark will give these youth a chance to experience something else that all children need — a fun evening shared with people who care about them, surrounded by a community of people committed to their well-being. Individuals can learn more about foster care at www.fostercaremonth.org
Casey Family Programs is a lead sponsor of National Foster Care Month. The program is in line with Casey’s 2020 Strategy, which states that we will safely reduce the number of youth in foster care by 50 percent by the year 2020 and work with jurisdictions across the country to improve their child welfare systems.
Casey Family Programs is the largest national foundation whose sole mission is to provide and improve — and ultimately prevent the need for — foster care. The foundation draws on its more than 40 years of experience and expert research and analysis to improve the lives of children and youth in foster care in two important ways: by providing direct services and support to foster families; and by promoting improvements in child welfare practice and policy. The Seattle-based foundation was established in 1966 by UPS founder Jim Casey. Visit the Web site at www.casey.org.
San Diego Foster Care Coalition consists of agencies throughout San Diego County who work with some of the 5,000 youth in out-of-home care. Coalition members include Casey Family Programs, Kamali’i Foster Family Agency, Special Families, Walden Family Services, San Diego County FFA, New Alternatives, Inc., Angels Foster Family Agency, Trinity Youth Services, and San Diego County Adoptions.
National Foster Care Month is a partnership of The Annie E. Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services; American Public Human Services Association/National Association of Public Child Welfare Administrators; Casey Family Programs; Black Administrators in Child Welfare; Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Children’s Rights; Child Welfare League of America; Foster Care Alumni of America; FosterClub; Foster Family-Based Treatment Association; Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative; National Association of Social Workers; National Association of State Foster Care Managers; National CASA; National Foster Care Coalition; National Foster Parent Association; National Indian Child Welfare Association; National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice and Permanency Planning, a service of the Children’s Bureau; Orphan Foundation of America; Voices for America’s Children.
Source: Casey Family Programs