Gladys – a passion for dance changes lives
18-year-old Gladys loves hip hop. What’s more, she enthusiastically shares her passion for dance with Burnaby pre-teens and teenagers.
“I found a passion for hip hop after taking an after-school dance
program in the seventh grade. When I moved on to high school, I volunteered to run the same program I participated in for Second Street Elementary,” Gladys says. “It felt great to give back to the community that gave so much to me.”
A safe, supportive place
Grade 9 student Amy loves the positive energy of the group, while Grade 7 student, Paige says it helps her feel free and takes her mind off of things.
The after-school dance program Gladys teaches is generously supported by United Way donors. It’s just one of the ways United Way is helping kids be all that they can be.
But many kids don’t have access to after-school programs like this and passionate volunteers like Gladys. Under-supported kids like this are most at risk between the hours of 3– 6 PM.
If they don’t have a safe and supportive place to go, there is a higher possibility that they will fall through the cracks – dropping out of school, getting into crime, and eventually, experiencing unemployment and poverty. These are real risks for vulnerable kids who don’t believe that they matter.
Last year alone, United Way funding directly supported 31 School’s Out programs and the work of community schools to provide almost 2,000 out-of-school time programs.
Find out the many ways United Way helps kids grow up great.
“It felt great to give back to the community that gave so much to me.”
Right now vulnerable kids are still lingering on after-school wait lists.
The right connection could save their lives. Could it be you?
Send a note of encouragement to Gladys
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