SUCCESS BY 6 ®
- Local Contact:
- Heather Gordon - 604 414-3939
Success By 6 is an initiative of the United Way, and has been established in communities throughout North America. In BC, a partnership between the United Way, the Credit Unions of BC and the provincial government provides support for local activities.
Success By 6 is an outstanding example of public, private and voluntary sector partnership that has come together to make a difference for our province's children. Success By 6 was launched in Powell River in early 2004. Powell River's Council of Partners - the group which steers local activities - includes representatives from business and local governments, public and non-profit sector organizations, and community members.
Together they are committed to a vision: "In Powell River all children and families are valued, respected, nurtured, cared for and given the opportunity to develop to their full potential as healthy, educated, competent, caring and responsible people." They are striving to achieve this vision by building the capacity of parents and the whole community to support children ages 0-6 to become healthy, safe and secure, and physically, socially and emotionally ready to succeed in school.
The latest research on brain development indicates that the most critical period of a child's development is from 0-6. Yet up to 25 percent of BC's children from all socio-economic backgrounds are not ready for school. In Powell River a disproportionate number of children reach school age without a strong foundation in language and cognitive development - the skills and abilities that will help them learn language and math, and handle complex ideas and concepts.
Studies demonstrate that children flourish in communities where resources for parents and children are available. In fact, for every $1 invested in child care, at least $2 are saved in later social costs - and for high risk kids, the return is up to $7 for every dollar invested. When children receive the right nurturing and care in the first six years, the results can be tremendous.
As they grow into teens, they are less likely to drop out of school, abuse drugs, have health problems, or be involved in crime. Investment in a child's early years pays dividends for the future of our communities and our province.
Powell River Success By 6 priorities include raising the awareness of the importance of the early years across the region and providing funding to projects that focus on early language and cognitive development. To date Success By 6 has made close to $20,000 available for programs and activities for children and families.
ORCA Bus
On the Road with Children's Activities is an initiative of Success By 6, in partnership with PRESS (Powell River Educational Services Society). School District 47 donated an old school bus, and with lots of volunteer help the bus was refitted, repainted and is now driven throughout the Powell River Region giving children access to early childhood education activities. Generous business donations made this project possible.
For more information, schedules and events contact Kim Barton-Bridges, ORCA Bus Coordinator at 604 485-2132 or www.successby6powellriver.ca/orca.html
Success By 6 is proud to be part of the United Way family. We will keep Powell River informed about how we are making a difference - one way at a time!