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SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH PROGRAMS
By Hudelaine R. Deus, Social Services Manager
The City’s Out of School programs provide creative and engaging ways to educate youth in our community. In addition to the education and tutoring services provided, we have youth development and enrichment activities that teach social emotional skills, life skills, and community engagement.
The Youth Council members continue to thrive and help the community while participating in focus group to help improve youth services and programming throughout the City. Over the past few months, our youth participated in activities such as the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, field trips, Black History Month activities, tennis, and dance lessons. We also introduced our brand new DJ Academy to further enhance our social emotional component through the use of music. The purpose of the DJ Academy is to improve awareness of music arts and wellness through turntables. Our Partner at the S Foundation uses innovative musical methods for learning and development of socio-emotional skills. The program helps youth to overcome hardship and experience mindfulness while reaching their potential.
Considering that the City’s programs involve a holistic approach, we also have activities that support entire families either internally or through our collaboration with various community partners. Recently, our families had the opportunity to attend a Miami Heat game! We also had Discovery Day where our partner from the S Foundation showcased different aspects of the DJ Academy.
The City’s social services programs provide a safe, positive environment for children that enhances academic performance, supports social, emotional and physical development and strengthens positive peer relationships. These benefits contribute not only to children’s satisfaction with programs, but also their academic performance, behavioral functioning, and social skills while out of school. The program is offered in a clean, safe setting where students enjoy high-quality cultural arts programming, swimming, field trips, healthy meals and snacks, project based learning, nutrition and fitness activities, cultural arts, and enrichment activities. Participation is FREE for students residing or attending school in Broward County and/or surrounding areas. The City’s social services programs are administered at Mary Saunders Park, Monday through Friday, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and from 8:00AM to 5:00PM when schools are closed.
If you are interested and/or need more information about the Parks & Recreation Department, Social Services Division, please call: 954-985-1990 or email: youthprograms@cityofwestpark.org. You can also visit the City’s website at www.cityofwestpark.org for updates and recruitment activities.
