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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0193.009 1996-1998 Q The Island of Hawaii Y M C A ® "Serving The County of Hawal `i, in the Aloha State" THE ISLAND OF FIAWAI'I YMCA CORPORATE OFFICE P.U. Box 7067 Kamuela, HI 96743 PH'. 808-885-7420 FX: gO8.R8S5370 The Island of Hawaii YMCA Testimony F RCCENEp Robert C. Leopoldmo To Hawaii County Council nllie_._____ . ~y.._ Chairman OQi6~__ ;(_1 ealbi Brooks D9te: 3-19-97 County Coundl/NSe~c Vice Chairman Putman D. Clark KEY ISSUES FACING THE ISLAND OF HAWAII Vice Chairman Wayne K. Kamitaki * More children die violently on our island than any other lri the state. Vice Chairman Michael Miyahlra * The rate of child abuse an neglect is twice the state average, and is increasing. Vice Chairman/Treasurer Lynn Higashi * ~ ~ the highest rate of teen births irr the state. Vice Chaimlan/Secretary James K. Fujimoto * 20% of the children live in poverty here v. 11 % lrl the state. Assistant Treasurer William B. Case * Our island has more violent teen death-accidents, suicides, and homicides Immed. Pas[ Chairman than anywhere in the state. Robert K. Masada President /CEO * Children mortality rate is nearly double the state average for kids one to fourteen. BRANCHES: Kona Famny YMCA 74-5606 Pawai Place * par island has the highest rate of domestic violence and elder abuse. Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 PH, sos3z9-9622 * United Way is at 75% goal. FX: 808-3293722 Waiakea Settlement YMCA * The Federal Government is cutting back support. 35% of our people use 300 W. lanikaula Street food stamps that's 48,000 people out of 138,000 total! Hilo, HI 96720 Px: sos-93x3721 * Unemployment is at 8.1% on our island, although Hilo is probably higher. FX: 808-969-1772 Waimea Famny YMCA P.o. sDX z99e (All information from Hawaii Kids Count 1996 Data Book) Kamuela, HI 96743 PH: 808-885-7420 FX: 808-8855370 Mission: Alaha Ke Akua-"God fs Lave" The Mission of The Island j ~Oa ~ ~ ~ Wyk Namaf'f YMG Is to share GoBs ry~1- ~,T t~ Inve with clWarcn, aaulu, ana p }N, 11 O. u'J uMC*a W+y faMRes of all noes and fWNS by MEMBER pinning Chtlsdan pHndples Into Kef PrQSento-:.. NSE.D/ HAWAII ISLAND pm rice through pmgnms that bWld 1• ~j ~/UNITED WAV healthy hotly, mind and spirit for all. na. r,,.o MAR 1 9 199 The Case For The Island of Hawaii YMCA First and foremost, The Island of Hawaii YMCA provides a variety of prevention programs. These programs focus on strengthening the family, promoting a healthy way of life and developing leadership qualities in young people and adults. We also provide program participation opportunities for Youth at Risk. Our programs encourage and enhance local multicultural understanding. No one has been refused an opportunity to attend any ofour programs. Focus is placed on chazacter development, education, skill development, and leadership development. YMCA programs emphasize holistic growth in "Spirit, Mind and Body," Because the YMCA is volunteers based we have been fortunate in recruiting more volunteers to assist in enhancing and increasing our programs. Funding support, however limited, is critical to maintenance of our programs and their success. Summer Pro¢rams Vacation Recreation Proerams - We provide quality, safe, fun, full day activities for children of working parents. This fills an important need in our community. While we believe all youth at risk, these youth with special circumstances and problems aze mainstream into the progratn. At least 12% of the participants (usually working ,poor) receive subsidizes. We also collaborate with the "Jobs program", the Casey Foundation, and the Queen Liliuokalani Trust for participants. (Hilo, Kona, Waimea) Teen Sob Training - During the summer we cooperate with the "Alu Like" program for teens from low income Hawaiian families. We also request students from the high schools. We then provide training and orientation in basic job skills from filling out an application to Leaving to come to work on time and do an assigned job. Upon successful completion of the program the high school principals receive a letter which the student can use for college and also a future job reference. They also provide children with a positive summer experience. (Hilo, Kona, Waimea) Teen Late Nieht Basketball - This summer Hilo will provide weekly late night basketball for teens to help keep them busy and out of trouble. This is in cooperation with County Parks and Recreation and the cotmnunity Police Department. This will be the third summer in Waimea, where the program is conducted five to six nights every week. (Hilo, Waimea) Haouna Teen Cama - Teen participants have daily sailing lessons at the YMCA Aquatics Center in Kawaihae. Participants aze exposed to Hawaiian sailing, fishing, hiking and crafts. (Hilo, Kona, Waitttea) Volcano Camo - Primary school participants have a week long traditional resident camp experience with daily, hikes, azchery, sports, group games, stargazing, campfires and skits. (Hilo, Kona, Waimea) Summer Youth Academy - The YMCA offers summer educational enhancement classes in art, math, science and English by certified teachers using experimental curriculum. (Hilo) Year Round and School Year Pro,~rams Fitness Center - A full service center with freeweights, machines, stationary bicycles and cazdio equipment. Our fitness center is not just a "weightroom" but a heahhy lifestyle alternative. We offer affordable fitness activities for all, and teens, families, and young adults aze encouraged to participate. (Hilo, Kona) Aikido - A modern Japanese martial art based on harmony and non-resistance. This program, taught by volunteers, promotes the techniques and philosophy of Aikido as a way to keep physically and mentally fit. (Kona) Hapkido - The art of Hapkido promotes offensive and defensive techniques with anon- aggressive attitude. $ased on the water principles of yielding, constant power flow, adaptability and relaxation under pressure, this martial art improves flexibility, fitness and self confidence. (Kona) Hawaiian Woodcarving - Through the art of Hawaiian Woodcarving, students young and old learn about Hawauan history and culture. (Kona) Aquatics - In our ocean envirotunent learning safe swimming and beach skills is a must. We are reaching the most children we possibly can by providing children in our pre-school with lessons, and younger children in our summer fun program aze given swim lessons too! Our older children who travel to the beach learn about the ocean environment and beach safety. This provides these children with life long skills and healthy habits. (Hilo, Kona, Waimea) Aquatic Fitness - In collaboration with partner schools, the YMCA offers Aquatic Fitness during the students regular school day. This added dimension to their regular PE program enhances fitness/wellness behavior and gives the student a lifelong fitness skill which they can carry into adulthood. The reasons why anyone should exercise in the water is 1) reduces stress on joints, bones, and muscles, 2) speedy, effective toning through water resistance, 3) bum more calories in less time, 4) stay cool while exercising hard, 5) effective training plus comfort equals FtIN. The YMCA also offers Adult Aquatic Fitness after work in the evenings. (Kona, Waimea) YMCA Surf Club - This club is open to all children ages 10 - 17. The children will have a chance to develop leadership skills and human potential mind, body, and spirit, provide community service, participate in social opportunities in a healthy and safe atmosphere, and create and participate in challenging, exciting adventures. Physical fitness, sport-specific conditioning, surfing instruction, competitive surf team development, and water safety (including CPR, First Aid, Jr. Lifeguard skills and drills) aze included. The children have elected officers and a board of directors. The staff and volunteers have taken on secondary roles as counselors and coaches. The program is student centered and designed to allow for the participant to grow in confidence and increased self esteem. (Waimea) Year Round and School Year Programs (Cont.) YMCA Teen Boat Building - In cooperation with Waimea High School and several local groups, at-risk teens work with YMCA aquatic volunteers in a boat building program. Students learn math, organization and social skills. Currently they are working on a two man Hawaiian sailing canoe. (Waimea) C.P.R/First Aid - American Red Cross/National Safety Council certification course which teaches cazdio-pulmonary resuscitation, recognition of breathing emergencies, choking/airway obstructions, emergency action steps and the signs/symptoms of heazt attacks. (Hilo, Kona, Waimea) Lifeguard Certification Training - Nationally recognized and County of Hawaii approved certification. (Hilo, Kona, Waimea) S.C.U.B.A. Diving - National YMCA & PADI certification. (Kona, Waimea) Sailin -This basis level course is approved by the United States Sailing Association and the American Red Cross. Classes are held at our aquatics facility at Kawaihae. (Kona, Waimea) Windsurfing - A sport that rewards finesse over strength, this is an exhilazating form of sailing that anyone can learn. This three level course is taught at Anaehoomalu Bay. (Kona, Waimea) Yout4 In Government -Teens come together in a modern club like atmosphere to learn about responsible citizenship and how state government works. They develop leadership skills and personal responsibility through the program and through working on their own "fundraising." (Hilo) Teen Community Service - During the school yeaz we provide students of Waiakea High School with daily volunteer opportunities at the YMCA. Teens learn the value of community service. This is in cooperation with the "Lions Quest" program (Hilo) Country Western Line Dancing - This program is not just instructional dancing but a drug free positive lifestyle activity for young adults. This program operates in a club like atmosphere where participants do many cotmunity performances. (Hilo Shopping Center, Hilo primary school, Kress building, etc.). (Hilo) Qi-Gone Class - This volunteer taught program is a Chinese art ~'or relaxation, stretching and strengthening. Most of our participants are active older adults. ) Karate - This volunteer taught youth program emphasizes self-esteem building, respect and self control, which aze important values that make for responsible Citizens. (HIlo, Kona) Year Round and School Year Proerams (Cont.) Fitness Classes - Ow classes are not just fitness, but prevention classes. We offer affordable, positive activities for all especially those in high risk groups between eighteen and twenty-five. (Hilo, Kona) YMCA Pre-School - Provides quality child-caze for children aged two to five. The progressive curriculum of age and developmentally appropriate activities assists children in their social, physical, emotional, and pre-academic development. It includes excwsions, swim lessons, and Hawaiian studies. A full day also includes lunch. We cooperate with the federal jobs program, Queen Liliuokalani Children's Trust, and the state for participants, and the federal school luch program. (Hilo) Safe Children's Center - A safe, secure, neutral location where parents in conflict can drop off and pick up their children before and after the other parent arrives. This service is sponsored in part by the Hawai'I Baz Association and the Judiciary of the State of Hawaii. The center's goal is to avoid potential hostile confrontations between the parents and allow children to visit with the non-custodial pazent on a regular basis. (Hilo, Kona) YMCA Mediation Centers - Ow centers offer volunteer mediators serving the community. The mediation program provides a place where conflicts can be clarified, defined and resolved through mediation. The cemer provides an alternative to the courts. Domestic problems, neighbor disputes, landlordltenant disputes, small claims, juvenile disputes, and consumer/merchant disputes aze some of the types of disputes handled at the center. (Hilo, Kona, Waimea) YMCA A+ Prgeram - We operate anafter-school program at Keonepoko school, Waimea school and Waikoloa school, supporting families with safe quality child-caze. Even though ow budget has been cut, we aze still providing the children with nutritious snacks. (Hilo, Waimea) YMCA After-School Proeram - The YMCA operates the after-school programs supporting working pazents of Kamehameha schools and HPA with safe quality child-caze. (Hilo, Waimea) Youth Vollevbail - A committee comprised of volunteer coaches and pazents gives leadership for this program serving youth. Ow YMCA Na `Opio youth focus on learning values, and positive character development including sportsmanship and team work. This program is offered in cooperation with County Pazks and Recreation. (Hilo, Waimea) Youth Basketball -Waimea branch boazd leaders provide coaching and supervision for the Ponekos girls championship basketball team. Elementary and intermediate girls from public and private schools participate. (Waimea) • Special Events Defensive Drivine - This is a National Safety Council certification course. A course that covers what is Defensive Driving? Driving strategies, and being a good driver. You also team how to drive in rural azeas and cities. (Hilo, Kona, Waimea) Healthy Kids Dav - This special festival sponsored by the YMCA and in cooperation with many groups hlce D.A.R.E., The Heahh department, The Fve department, HMSA, Hawaii Family Dental, and Bay Clinic. We have food booths ,music, pony rides and "kids fltness tests" to provide families with a wonderful fun filled day to learn about healthy lifestyles. (Hilo, Waimea) ~rincinles Of Health and Fitness - Volunteer training to improve understanding of heahh and fitness. The cause talks about all areas of healthy living from food to exercise. (Hilo) Family Saitiae Reeatta - The Island of Hawaii YMCA aquatic committee presents annual sailboat races to past participants in the Basic Sailing Program. This program encourages family involvemem and provides an exhilarating outlet for sailors to hone skills on a race course that inevitably tests their fundamental skills and knowledge of boat handling. (Waimea, Kona) YMCA Racine Clinics - This is the intermediate course designed for the younger sailor who is interested in fine-tuning their sailing skills. Course graduates become eligible for entry in the Hawaii Youth Sailboat Racing events that happen interisland. (Waimea, Kona) YMCA Boatine and Saferi Dav - Working in partnership with local schools, this course is put on to encourage children to become "waterwise". Course includes: CPR Demonstrations, Rescue Techniques, Swimming Safety, Sailboat Rides, Mini-Windsurfing Clinics. (Waimea) US Sailine lostructor Course - The Island of Hawaii aquatic committee hosts a US Sailing Instructor Trainer to present an intensive training program to certify candidates as Level I Dinghy Instructors. The YMCA has sponsored many YMCA volunteers by providing training in this certificate program. (Hilo, Kona, Waimea) Ocean Festival - The Waimea Family YMCA annually presents this special event in collaboration with many island wide organizations and individual water safety specialists to provide education, increased awareness of water safety and aquatic sports, lifestyles, and professions. There aze fun events, aquatic exhibitions, education booths, competitions. The purpose is to promote heahh and fitness by giving islanders and visitors ample hands-on experiences in a wide variety of ocean sports and activities. (Kona, Waimea) Free Dive Tournament -The Island of Hawaii YMCA aquatic committee sponsors the premier invitational tournament in the state of Hawaii. This event attracts many local people and visitors to Kona. (4th yeaz) The event including educational displays and presentations emphasizing safety, conservation and skills in &ee diving. With workshops in these areas for youth. (Hilo, Kona, Waimea) save: revkev