Submitted by KukHwa Kim, practicum student, School Age Child & Youth program
As a partnership of VCH and the Vancouver School Board, SACY (School Age Child and Youth) works together with parents, teachers, and the greater community to support positive youth development and healthy engagement. SACY is a substance-use prevention program that believes that youth who feel connected to their family, school, and community, are able to fulfill their potential. Many youth tell us they’ve learned a lot about themselves, about other, and about social issues.
During the summer months, the SACY Summer Program has been in full swing as they offer youth, aged 13-17, opportunities to visit community organizations and volunteer their time and skills. Workshops are provided, which allow them to use their artistic abilities and obtain leaderships skills, while exploring many cultural learning opportunities.
One youth expressed, “I feel grateful for what we have instead of complaining for what we don’t have…I recognize my privilege,” after visiting Crabtree Community Centre on the downtown east side. Another youth volunteered at Quest Food Exchange and commented on his learnings about the food recovery organization: “Quest contributes to reduce poverty by allowing lower income individuals and families to buy foods at lower prices.”
Partnering with 17 different community organizations, including Crabtree Community Centre and Quest Food Exchange, SACY helps adolescents contribute to their communities. The Program Staff encourage youth engagement, as it leads to positive and healthy development.