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.