483
Downloads
14
Episodes
The Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society (WECAS) is excited about offering an innovative new podcast, Inspiring Community. WECAS is very aware of the diverse, multi-faceted elements of our community that come together to support children, youth and families as they celebrate success and rise to overcome significant financial, social and mental health challenges. Hosts Mike Clark and Tina Allen will be reaching out to many of WECAS’ community partners and resource organizations to provide insight and helpful suggestions. These will in turn provide a tool kit for listeners to apply in terms of managing parenting issues, financial strain, strengthening relationships, self-care and so much more. Join us as we look at new ways to reach for a better tomorrow.
Episodes
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
In this episode, we speak with Kelsey Boire & Maia Williamson from the United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex County about their Ignite Academy and On Track to Success Programs.
Ignite Academy is an out-of-school program that aims to help kids succeed academically while wrapping other supports around their family. The program is currently offered to over 180 students in grades 2 to 7 in six elementary schools. Ignite Academy is a ProsperUs designed solution of the Cradle to Career strategy targeting the key milestones of literacy proficiency by grade 3 and mathematics proficiency by grade 6. The program utilizes a collective impact methodology whereby there are several community partners involved in core service delivery such as the Multicultural Council, South Essex Community Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Arts Can Teach. All of whom are working together in alignment to ensure students in the program have the supports they need to reach their full potential.
Kelsey Boire currently serves as the Community Coordinator of Ignite Academy at United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, where she oversees Ignite Academy programming that is focused on improving educational outcomes for children and youth living in low-income. Kelsey has worked in community development in the not-for-profit sector for 1.5 years and in the education sector for over 8 years. Kelsey is a master’s graduate of the Faculty of Education at the University of Windsor with an undergraduate degree in mathematics and she continues to be involved in addressing issues of culturally responsive teaching and mathematics education.
The On Track to Success is a student success initiative aimed at supporting high school students in three priority neighbourhoods across Windsor-Essex – Windsor West, Downtown and Leamington. On Track's primary goal is to provide wrap-around supports to students and their families to help them graduate high school and go on to some form of post-secondary education. Specifically, students enrolled in On Track have access to services including after-school tutoring, individualized support from a Success Coach, social and recreational activities as well as volunteer, career, and mentoring opportunities.
Maia Williamson is the Program Director for the On Track to Success program and has been with United Way for almost three years. She has a master’s degree in applied Linguistics as well as a master’s degree in social Change and Development with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. She taught post-secondary ESL for 17 years before coming to United Way and has volunteered with several non-profit organizations in various countries, focusing on primary education and program development.
Listen in on Apple/Google Podcasts, Spotify or Podbean
Website: https://www.weareunited.com/
Phone: 519-258-0000
Email: info@weareunited.com
“Inspiring Community” is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society
Connect with WECAS & Hosts:
Socials: @WindsorEssexCAS
Comments (0)
To leave or reply to comments, please download free Podbean or
No Comments
To leave or reply to comments,
please download free Podbean App.