Helping kids, investing in the future

Noelle DePape believes every child deserves a champion.

That’s why, when the position for president and CEO of BGC Winnipeg (formerly Boys & Girls Club) was advertised, three of her friends sent her the posting, saying it was perfect for her. Turns out, they were right. DePape got the job and started in early June.

“I was really missing being in the community — my heart is in the community,” she said, after leaving her role in the premier’s office, where she worked on social policy.

With extensive leadership experience in the non-profit and public sectors, and a deep commitment to children, youth and community development, the basketball coach, advocate for volunteerism and mother of two is diving into her new role with enthusiasm.

For DePape, investing in young people — especially those who are struggling — is what will change communities for the better.

“It’s a hard moment in Winnipeg and the world,” said DePape. “The best way to combat despair is through thoughtful action, generosity and creating hope. BGC is a place that creates hope. We refer to it as the youth possibility business. It’s really about focusing our efforts towards a brighter future,” she said about the organization, which will celebrate 50 years in Winnipeg next year.

“That’s how we can break the cycles of poverty and violence and create the kind of Winnipeg we want. Not getting caught in feeling despair, but putting that energy into connection and generosity and action and really volunteering.”

BGC focuses on the well-being of children and youth by teaching the importance of healthy living, personal growth and social development. The agency operates community-based clubs and youth development programs free of charge, offering a safe alternative to the streets during the evening and after-school hours. Programs work with children and youth aged six to 18, while others work for youth from 18 to 29.

“We have 11 clubs across the city,” said DePape. “Those clubs are the places where we are able to have that consistent, regular connection with kids. They have the support and the opportunity to become youth leaders, access training and development, get their first job, and start to give back to the community.”

DePape has met club kids who are now board members, and a former club kid who is now one of the heads of the United Way campaign.

“When you invest in these kids, you get contributing, caring people in your community. Most of us can remember a person who believed in us before we did, who gave us courage when scared, hope when lost. We believe every kid deserves a champion. We get to be that champion.”

DePape hopes to be able to increase the number of club hours, citing a study showing that the more time a child attends a club, the more the positive impacts on that child, their health and well-being.

“My dream is that in this city, at the end of every street, every block, there’s a free youth program for kids. If you’re lonely, hungry, that there’s a place within walking distance to find a free safe space to be run by BGC, or another awesome organization. There are so many others doing exceptional work. I’m hoping Winnipeggers will become part of this dream with us, in every neighbourhood. I think we can do it.”

BGC club manager Alazar Awegachew has been working with youth at the Gilbert Park Club location for 14 years and sees first-hand the benefits of working with kids in the community.

“You kind of foster these relationships over the course of many years,” said Awegachew.

“In September you start developing relationships and rapport. Year by year we watch the kids grow and develop, helping kids regulate emotions, play sports — spending time with family during community events,” he continued, noting that some of the kids have been in programs for 10 years.

“Through consistency and consistent staff, kids develop connection and a sense of trust. You see kids learn. There’s a place for them. Some of the kids who struggle to regulate emotions — after a few years, they’re doing it themselves.”

The Gilbert Park Club location sees 45 kids on a daily basis; some are regulars, others attend for specific programs.

“It’s not just a drop-in,” said Awegachew. “If there’s interest in a basketball program, we get a grant for a basketball team. There are some educational programs, like Power Up. We work with fundamentals: reading, spelling, math. It’s fun learning life skills. Several of the sites offer cooking, healthier foods. We prepare enough food for kids to take home.”

Each club site has about five staff — as well as volunteers — many through a partnership with Red River College Polytechnic. There are students from child-care programs looking for training experience in the field, and nursing students from the University of Manitoba.

“We have a lot of partnerships. At Gilbert Park, there are several service providers — social workers if the family needs to speak to somebody — health care providers, a health facility nearby. We are fortunate,” he continued, adding that counsellors are available, to deal with more serious issues.

Some of the programs run year-round, others in the summertime. Awegachew says they used to have the resources to take kids out to do things like go to a beach, or on camping trips.

“We do the best we can. The big goal is to give kids opportunities to do things they wouldn’t have otherwise.

“The staff team we have are passionate about the work that they do. They understand that they’re positive role models for the kids. Kids need someone to look up to, work on their math or basketball skills. During COVID we really saw that kids just needed someone to spend time with and be around. Sometimes a positive adult is all they need. We understand and recognize the importance of just being present.

“Our whole mandate is watching kids grow and wanting them to do well. After they graduate, we hire these kids. We just hired a former community member and he is going to be joining the team. He remembers the work we’ve done. He wants to be a positive influence.”

BGC is always looking for partners and small businesses with opportunities for youth to find employment.

Go to bgcwinnipeg.ca for more information.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca