Portland, Ore. — CareOregon has awarded $10,000 toward expanding afterschool programs offered through Active Children Portland in Oregon and Southwest Washington
“CareOregon's support allows us to hire more coach/mentors who will work with youth in programs including physical activity, literacy, nutrition education, access to healthy foods and community service projects,” said Brad Lebowsky, executive director of the nonprofit. “These include nationally accredited programming, such as the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Soccer for Success program.”
Active Children will be hosting a recuiting event Feb. 26 to show potential coaches what it’s like to be a part of the program.
According to research from the After School Alliance, there are more than 200,000 youth in Oregon who would participate in an afterschool program if one were available to them. Students who do participate regularly in afterschool programs show improvements in a number of areas, including: narrowing the fifth grade math achievement gap between high‐income and low-income students; improving work habits and self‐efficacy; and reducing the number of school absences.
Afterschool programs also play an important role in encouraging physical activity and good dietary habits and have been associated with positive health outcomes, including reduced obesity.
“The evidence is clear that the greatest impact on a child’s health is what goes on outside the doctor’s office, with school, activities and nutrition being key,” said Martin Taylor, CareOregon’s executive director of Public Policy and Community Relations. “Supporting programs like that of Active Children Portland goes a long way towards helping children have a healthier life.”
The grant will go toward recruiting, hiring and training coaches with the culturally responsive skills they need to be effective. According to a Harvard University study, cultural competence helps ensure effective communication and interaction between coaches and participants; adequate analysis and interpretation of results as they relate to the underserved population impact; and appropriate engagement in and implementation for community/population improvement in healthy habits and improved nutrition.
“Our efforts to recruit, hire, and train 120 coaches for this Fall 2017 season will dramatically improve unemployment and provide culturally responsive young adults an opportunity to grow personally and professionally,” said Lebowsky. “Active Children Portland has a formal professional development program that allows our coaches to grow into their desired career. That includes resume advice, career mentoring, strength based management, improved communication skills and generational strategies that are highly desired among Fortune 500 companies.”
Lebowsky said the coaching positions will pay between $13 and $15 per hour for between 12 and 15 hours per week. People interested can come to the Coaches Tournament, Active Children’s first recruiting event, Feb. 26 from noon to 5 p.m. at Providence Park (tinyurl.com/2017CoachesTournament). More information is also available atacportland.org/coaching.
For more information about Active Children Portland, contact Brad Lebowsky, 503-208-3415, [email protected] or visit http://www.acportland.org.
For more information about CareOregon, contact Jeanie Lunsford, 503-416-3626, [email protected].
____________________________________________________________________________
About Active Children Portland
Active Children Portland as a nonprofit whose mission is to empower students to lead healthy lives, succeed academically, and inspire positive community engagement. We believe that taking a holistic and comprehensive approach to youth development , and by focusing on the kids that need it the most, we can make a positive impact on the next generation.
About CareOregon
CareOregon is a nonprofit community benefits company that’s been involved in health plan services, reforms and innovations since 1994, serving Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) and Medicare members and their communities. Our mission is cultivating individual well-being and community health through shared learning and innovation. Our vision is healthy communities for all individuals, regardless of income or social circumstances. We focus on the total health of our members, not just traditional health care. By teaming up with members and their families, providers and communities, we help Oregonians live better lives, prevent illness and respond effectively to health issues.
