Connect with Kids Champions
This month, Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families (APCYF) celebrates people who have made a difference by connecting with kids and teens, with a display at Central Library, and a reception on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Did you know that having 3 or more positive, non-parent adults in his or her life will increase the chance that a young person will make healthy life choices? Unfortunately, only half of Arlington teens have 3 or more of these adults in their lives.
Luckily, anyone can connect with kids! Find a teen and start listening. You’ll be amazed at what it can do – for both of you!
The Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families has also produced a series of videos, for parents and non-parents, who are looking for new ways to connect with kids and teens:
[youtube]http://youtu.be/Lior3G9wOHU[/youtube]
Feeling inspired? Here are some of the places where you can get involved too:
- AHC Inc. – Tutoring and mentoring young people
- Arlington 4-H – Lead or help with interest-based clubs such as nature, science, cooking, etc.
- Arlington Parks and Recreation – Assist in after-school programs, children with disabilities, family events, etc.
- Arlington Public Schools – Read, tutor or just eat lunch with school kids.
- Arlington Soccer Association – Coach a soccer team, or assist a coach.
- Arlington YMCA – Coach a sports team or tutor children in an afterschool program.
- Boy Scouts of America – Mentor young men as a troop leader or assistant, or as a merit badge counselor.
- Girl Scouts – Mentor young women as a troop leader or assistant.
- Girls on the Run – Mentor and coach young women through running.
- The Reading Connection – Read aloud to groups of children.
- Wesley Housing Corporation – Tutor and mentor young people.