ready-for-life youth initiative

Bienestar’s Listos Para Vida/Ready for Life Youth Initiative aims to help the more than 1,200 children served by Bienestar experience academic and personal success, move past their parents’ education levels (average 7^th grade) and avoid the cycle of poverty and the maladies associated with it.  The initiative helps to build a community of caring role models that will help prevent teenage pregnancies, gang involvement, and encourage post secondary education.

During the fall and winter of 2011

• Eight Parents and 10 babies and toddlers participated in Born to Learn, a cognitive development program. This program helps develop bonds between parent and child and helps lay the groundwork for developing intelligent, happy, and healthy children.
• In September 2011, a fifth homework club began at the Elm Park apartments in Forrest Grove. 20 children work with staff and volunteers on school work twice a week. Focus is given to ensure that students work on subjects which they need the most help in addition to receiving support to improve their reading and math skills.
• 14 Children participated in a 9 week dance class held at the Reedville apartments. They learned dances such as the shuffle and salsa in addition to freestyle steps they learned from one another. The children built self-confidence and had lots of fun.
• Seven Holiday parties were held in December 2011 for Bienestar children and their families. 725 children under 11 years of age received a toy and had their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
• 29 Children participated in Soccer Club at Elm Park and Sunset Gardens. They developed soccer skills through drills and scrimmages. Proper nutrition was also discussed with participants to help them learn about eating right and its effects on health and performance.
• Beginning in January 2012, Bienestar teens will receive financial and informational support to attend institutions of post secondary education through Education Navigation /Escojo mi Futuro. This class will be coupled with an education IDA program where 30 high school aged teens received a 3:1 match for each dollar saved towards college or trade school.

Outcome reports for all of these programs and more are available on our website: http://bienestar-or.org/web/programs/youth.asp

Bienestar is committed to supporting and improving the lives of the children of migrant workers, farmworkers and low-income working families. We thank you for your support!

Links:

• Listo Para Vida - Youth Programs and outcomes