Junior League of Toronto Kickstart for Health
partnered with
Pathways for Children, Youth and Families of York Region
Junior League of
In the spirit of “empowering youth”, the Junior League of Toronto has partnered with Pathways for Children, Youth and Families of
The York Region Program consists of both a weekly “Boot camp” style fitness class and a series of workshops centered on fitness, positive self-image, and nutrition. These are offered to the 100 or more homeless or at-risk youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who frequent the Pathways Home Base Youth Drop-In Centre in
The fitness class led by community volunteer Dan Hayes has been up and running since October 2009, and is receiving very positive feedback. Taken from a recent Pathways Newsletter: “Dan Hayes has been making a difference at Home Base. For the past four months Dan has consistently volunteered his time and efforts, leading youth and staff of Home Base in his rigorous boot camp fitness program. Dan’s motivational style, engaging personality and in-depth knowledge of various exercise techniques has contributed to the ongoing success of the program. The class which runs every Monday includes self-defence for both male and female, muay thai kick boxing, cardio and weight training techniques, healthy nutrition tips, as well as various U.S Navy Seal boot camp style exercises.”
Workshops to date which have been led by Junior League members have included “Making a Positive First Impression” and Nutrition. “Making a Positive First Impression” showed youth what they should and should not wear to a job interview and explained how people are perceived by what they wear. At the Nutrition Workshop, volunteers offered healthy eating tips, nutritional energy shakes, healthy chicken wraps, salads, pasta and information on creating a balanced and healthy lifestyle to over 15 of the youth. Upcoming topics include “Everybody is a Somebody” which will focus on healthy self-esteem.
Donations in the form of food products, toiletries, clothing and gift certificates would be greatly appreciated. Professional services in the area of fitness, nutrition, body image and self esteem are also welcome. Contact Frances Foresi, Project Chair at: francesforesi@hotmail.com to see how you can donate to this very worthy program. For more information on the Junior League of Toronto, visit www.jlt.org.
Pathways for Children, Youth and Families deliver programs and services to those who need it most in York Region. It is a community-based organization responding to the needs of children, youth, and families through intervention, education and advocacy to enhance health, self-esteem and well-being. The Home Base Youth Drop-In Centre, in particular, offers youth downtime, answers and support. They exist, first and foremost, to protect the youth who use the Centre. For more information, visit www.pathwaysyorkregion.org.
Youth taking part in the Weekly Boot Camp fitness program
Youth being put through their paces by community volunteer Dan Hayes
Community volunteer Dan Hayes preparing for Boot Camp!
Junior League members with some of the goodies at the Nutrition workshop
Junior League member Sylvia D’Alimonte making healthy smoothies at the Nutrition Workshop
