Developing independence with YMCA Beyond the Bell™

Written by a YMCA Beyond the Bell™ Supervisor

Jane* was a last-minute addition to camp.

The Vice-Principal asked if we thought we would be able to support her because she had an exceptionally challenging home life.

During the school year, the school worked with Jane to create a hygiene routine because hygiene within the home was challenging. She would often come to school so smelly that it was a distraction to adults and caused a lot of ridicule from peers. The school had a lot of success, and by July, Jane was able to brush her teeth, hair, and get changed into clean clothes independently every morning. Then before going home, she would change back into her home clothes.

The school asked if we could continue this routine so Jane would not lose these skills, and because of her independence, we felt we could easily accommodate. Jane kept up her hygiene routine for the summer, and YMCA Beyond the Bell™ also added to her school clothing by adding new summer clothes and swimsuits [so that she was able go swimming].

Jane had a great summer with us and will be rejoining our school year program in December.

This was a new experience for us, but we were happy to accommodate so that Jane could maintain her hygiene skills and participate in the program without any teasing from peers around smell or cleanliness.

*Names have been changed to protect the individual’s privacy. 

#ShineOn #IgnitePotential #BTB

YMCA Beyond the Bell™ is an after-school and summer academic achievement program that focuses on closing the academic achievement gap experienced by children from low income areas, compared to their middle-class peers. The program is fully funded by generous donors, just like you!

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