Six Nations of the Grand River children are receiving a boost to their YMCA Beyond the Bell program thanks to a $600,000 donation from the Tachane Foundation.
The donation will support ongoing program delivery at Six Nations and funding to conduct a needs assessment in advance of expanding the program within Indigenous communities.
Children from low-income families or those experiencing generational trauma are at a disadvantage socially and educationally and are less likely to succeed in school, said Manny Figueiredo, president and CEO of YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford.
The consequences of falling behind are significant: higher rates of school dropouts, persistent unemployment, high-risk lifestyles and overall health issues.
According to Statistics Canada, nearly one-quarter of Indigenous children age 14 and under lived in a low-income household in 2021. That’s more than double the rate of non-Indigenous children.
Since 2021, YMCA Beyond the Bell has been helping close the gap experienced by low-income children compared to their higher income peers through a unique after-school and summer program.
Beyond the Bell includes a blend of literacy, numeracy and recreational elements. The key goals are to realize academic achievement, improve health and wellness, explore culture and creativity and develop social skills.
“Giving children in our communities the tools they need to succeed is paramount,” said Figueiredo. “We know children in vulnerable situations facing a variety of barriers when it comes to academic success.”
The charitable Tachane Foundation was established by the Sutherland family, focusing on Indigenous initiatives and youth development in Canada.
“Making sure children aren’t falling behind is critically important to putting them on a path to success in academics and in their personal lives,” said Rusty Sutherland, president of the Tachane Foundation. “We are excited to continue our support of YMCA Beyond the Bell to ensure children in our Indigenous communities get the help they need to succeed, now and in the future.”