Local

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Getting back as much as they give

Volunteers happy to give kids opportunity

By: Erin Madden

Posted: 12/5/2011 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

Enlarge Image

West Broadway Youth Outreach volunteers Kat Oksanen and Rob Lopes. (RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

Related Items

Articles
- Volunteers Dec. 5

As the saying goes, it takes a community to raise a child and that's the idea behind the West Broadway Youth Outreach (WBYO) program.

The free program provides recreational activities and assistance in learning life skills to youth living in the West Broadway area, including homework support, athletic activities and music lessons. Run out of the Crossroads building at the corner of Furby Street and Broadway, the program relies heavily on the support of volunteers like Kat Oksanen and Rob Lopes.

Oksanen started volunteering two years ago. She had been working two part-time jobs and attending university but was looking for a meaningful activity to round out her busy schedule. After learning about the WBYO program she signed up to volunteer as a piano teacher. Now in addition to that, she also helps out by taking participating children to swimming lessons at the Sherbrook Pool once a week.

"I think that it's so important for all kids to have as many opportunities as they can," explained Oksanen, 26, who is currently completing her second degree at the University of Manitoba. "There's a lot of programming this program offers which often are expensive things that lots of families can't afford. It just really gives these kids opportunities. They have choices where they can be the best person they can be."

She adds that the program has also become successful in creating a sense of community in the area, working with parents and schools to create better opportunities for children and stronger relationships between area families.

"The neighbourhood has different issues but this brings a strength to the community through the kids and the things that it's doing. It's really neat and important in that way."

Lopes, 35, an area resident, agrees. He came to the program after hearing positive comments about it from children in his neighbourhood. He was already volunteering at another agency offering after-school programming but after visiting the WBYO program he was hooked. He said he could immediately see the benefits and was struck with how well it was run. A volunteer for the past three years, he helps out in the homework room, and with the Bookworms program, doing after-school reading with the children. He also sits on the agency's board of directors, serving as the treasurer.

"I love the consistency of the program and the stability," said Lopes, who by day works in real estate, adding that the program also provides children with a safe place to come after school. "It's very strict in terms of behaviour. Here, a child is never going to be bullied. They'll never feel unsafe, which for a lot of children is absolutely huge."

Oksanen adds that while the benefits to the children are obvious, volunteers with the program also benefit immensely.

"It really brings you back down to earth -- the kids are so genuine," she explained. "For me it's just really a neat place. I can give to them but they really give back to me too. You leave sort of exhausted and energized at the same time."

If you would like more information or would like to become a volunteer with the West Broadway Youth Outreach program, please call 204-774-0451 or visit www.westbroadwayyouthoutreach.com. Volunteers are required to assist as homework tutors as well as with the reading and sports programs. All volunteers are required to submit child abuse registry and police record checks.

If you know a special volunteer who strives to make his or her community a better place to live, please contact Erin Madden at erinmadden@shaw.ca.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 5, 2011 B2

(You must be logged in to post your reaction)

Your reaction?

More Local

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.