training

The “Why” Behind the Workshops

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We recently put the word out about a new series of workshops called “Helping High-Needs Kids,” coming January 11-February 2. If you haven’t read all the details yet, you can find them here. We would be delighted to have you come and learn with us! There are a bunch of great people coming to help […]

crush the odds

Helping the kids who carry the heaviest burdens

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How can we do our best for the children in our midst who carry the heaviest burdens? Starting January 11, SCYM is partnering with the Nehemiah Foundation to offer a new series of four workshops designed for volunteers, mentors, church teachers and leaders, and anyone who works with children in the faith-based community. Presented by […]

afterschool program

Getting Down to "Biz Ba$ics"

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It’s been more than a year of dreaming, praying, and planning, but on October 7 it all became reality when 16 Hayward Middle School students arrived at Southgate Baptist Church ready to learn how to start and run a business.  It all started with a desire to give academic and life skill support to the […]

GirlPower

GirlPower now at all three city middle schools

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We kicked off our first ever GirlPower at Roosevelt Middle School this past Monday! There are a total of 26 awesome 7th and 8th grade girls signed up to participate at Roosevelt’s GP. Our first meeting was a hit! We did a series of icebreakers and get-to-know-each-other games to start off our time together. It’s […]

brighter futures

Offering forgiveness

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Last fall I began meeting with a group of 5th grade girls at a Springfield school. These girls are considered at-risk of not graduating because of their low state-mandated test scores. Each week we talk about respecting and listening to others, setting goals, and other activities designed to help them learn social and emotional skills […]

brighter futures

GirlPower

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Along with several other SCYM programs, GirlPower kicked off this past week for Clark and Schaefer Middle School kids. This is the fifth session (summer or semester) we’ve run the program, which is a partnership with the YMCA and focuses on health, beauty, fitness and self-esteem. I remember when the idea for GirlPower first came […]

brighter futures

REACH

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REACH is a leadership development camp that I and Wes Stevens (from the YMCA) dreamed up in the spring and have been offering throughout the month of July. Fifteen kids have been involved throughout the summer.     Tuesdays are our ‘practical experience’ day for REACH. One Tuesday, the kids were put into teams and […]