Reinforcing Confidence with After-School Programs

In a world where education is increasingly recognized as the cornerstone of a brighter future, after-school programs have emerged as a beacon of hope for many children and Youth. And the RAFT is at the forefront of this transformative movement.  

Through a compelling combination of staff testimonials and hard-hitting numbers that vividly depict the program’s impact, this blog aims to shed light on how RAFT’s After School Programs are not just an option, but a lifeline for countless children and Youth across the Niagara Region. These programs are making a notable difference, shaping lives, and contributing to a promising tomorrow for the Youth in this community.  

After School Matters: Reinforcing Confidence through Youth Programs 

RAFT supports the coordination of several After School Matters sites that cater to the needs of the Niagara Region in partnership with the United Way Niagara.  

These programs are more than just extracurricular activities; they serve as a vital lifeline, annually benefiting over 500 children and Youth throughout the Region. With a generous dedication of 100 hours each week, our dedicated team offers these programs free of charge to children and Youth living in underserviced neighbourhoods.  

With locations in Fort Erie, St. Catharines, and Niagara Falls, After School Matters sites are strategically placed across the Region to provide accessible and convenient support to students. We aim to keep them engaged in school, equipping them with essential skills, and building the foundations for a successful future while connecting them to valuable community resources.  

Beyond these educational initiatives, After School Matters prioritizes the well-being of the children and youth we serve. Every day, we provide 200 healthy snacks to each attending child and youth. Because, at RAFT, we wholeheartedly believe in nurturing both the minds and bodies of the next generation in the Niagara Region, and we’re dedicated to ensuring the growth and success of both.  

Our After School Matters Staff Has Seen the Results 

Victoria: 

From my short time working with the RAFT and the After School Program, I have already seen the major impacts that it has on the Youth who attend. One of the most important being that it allows these Kids who come to the program to escape the responsibilities and obstacles they may deal with and be Kids.  

This program provides and encourages an environment and opportunity where these Youth can come and just be carefree Kids and allow them to explore their creativity in a secure and safe atmosphere.

Kyla: 

I’ve seen the impact from After School Matters firsthand while working with these children. I’ve seen an impact of community within the children that attend. They are having an opportunity to attend trips that maybe they wouldn’t if it wasn’t for the program therefore having important life experiences that they will remember.  

Madison: 

The impact that I’ve noticed After School Matters has made on our Youth who attend the program is them looking at the program as a safe space where they can go spend time with other Youth within the community. I’ve noticed participants coming to the program on their good and bad days, sometimes to distract themselves. After School Matters has also helped bring out a sense of self-worth, confidence and communication skills in our participants.

Can After-School Programs Really Make a Difference?  

Yes. At RAFT, we believe they can.  

After school programs provide a sense of belonging, community, stability, responsibility and accomplishment to Young People.  

Regardless of their specific focus, whether it’s academic support, mentorship opportunities, workforce development, or engagement in arts or sports, all of them share a common thread– Youth development.  

For older Youth, specifically, regular participation in after school youth programming yields multiple benefits. For instance, Youth development programs have the potential to significantly reduce risky behaviour while simultaneously equipping teens with the essential skills required for a successful transition into adulthood.  

The presence of Youth mentors and academic support ensures that students can stay on track in their journey without falling behind. This, in turn, empowers Young People to secure meaningful employment, smoothly navigate the transition into adulthood and become self-sufficient individuals.  

To learn more about our After School Matters or other Youth homelessness support services, reach out today.  

Attachment is the answer.