The children of Ray-Cam Co-operative know their A, B, Cs.
Today, United Way British Columbia announced that it is investing up to $285,000 over the next three years to build brighter futures for children in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood through United Way Avenues of Change.
The announcement was made at Ray-Cam Co-operative Centre as part of their Reconciliation in Action Day. United Way Avenues of Change is designed to tackle childhood vulnerability on a neighbourhood level.
To be vulnerable means to start school at greater risk of struggling in the classroom – and in later life. But when children get off to a good start, research shows the positive impacts are realized throughout a child’s life. Kids thrive when their neighbourhoods thrive.
Currently, in Strathcona, 52% of children are developmentally vulnerable compared to a provincial average of 33%. In Strathcona, United Way Avenues of Change is partnering with Ray-Cam Co-operative Centre and OUR PLACE, their early childhood initiative. OUR PLACE is a collaboration between the community and local service providers.
“Every child in Strathcona deserves the best possible start in life,” said Michael McKnight, President & CEO, United Way British Columbia. “Children are born with limitless potential. This investment and collaborative effort will help them realize their potential.”
The unique approach of United Way Avenues of Change is that each neighbourhood develops and implements tailor-made strategies specific to the characteristics of their community. Ray-Cam’s OUR PLACE initiative was instrumental in developing the United Way Avenues of Change action strategy for the Strathcona neighbourhood: the Graduation Strategy. The overall goal is to increase the high school graduation rates of neighbourhood children.
“By investing in families and children, the United Way is making an important investment in Vancouver’s future. This important early childhood initiative in Strathcona is very welcome support to our community and will make a real difference for local families,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson.
The Strathcona neighbourhood is bounded by Burrard Inlet to the north, Clark Drive to the east, False Creek to the south, and Chinatown to the west. United Way Avenues of Change is up and running in three other neighbourhoods: Coquitlam River in the Tri-Cities; Guildford West in Surrey; and Richmond City Centre in Richmond.
United Way invests $285,000 for kids in Strathcona.
Topics : Uncategorized