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Our Mission
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We exist to increase resiliency and inspire BIG dreams for Canadian children living in low-income communities by providing inspirational experiences and nurturing personal relationships, one child at a time.
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Our Big Dream
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That one day, in the not so distant future, we will see an end to child poverty in Canada and every child will have equal opportunity to thrive, to dream big and to reach their full potential.
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What started in Hamilton as a weekend drop-in session for a few dozen kids has grown into multiple programs serving thousands of children and youth of all ages.
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CityKidz programs are a stable force of love and support for kids from before they can read until well after they’ve written their final high school exams. We teach our kids that they matter, that they are loved, and that they can change their future – and with it, the world.
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Child poverty is a complex problem that demands equally comprehensive solutions.
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There are many fantastic organizations in Hamilton and beyond that are working hard to alleviate the impacts of poverty. Many of these wonderful organizations are focused on providing for the material needs of children living in poverty such as school lunches, new clothes, books, and toys. But few are focused on supporting children’s intangible – but absolutely essential – emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs.
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Too often, poverty robs children of their self-confidence, hope and, ultimately, resilience. They feel helpless, their situation seems hopeless, and they start to give up.
That’s why CityKidz is dedicated to bringing hope and inspiring big dreams for children growing up in low-income neighbourhoods.
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CityKidz: Grades 1-6
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Life-Changing Experiences
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CityKidz is more than just a kids’ program, it’s a transformative experience! On CityKidz Saturdays, our unique Studio Theatre becomes a magical place where dreams take flight, and children are free to soar above their adversities into a world without fear, without poverty, and without limits.
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Each Saturday, songs and stories feed young minds and souls while a meal with friends nourishes hungry bellies.
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Our flagship program gives children a solid moral foundation on which to support their dreams and aspirations. Here, children come to understand God’s grace, feel God’s unconditional love, and get a glimpse of God’s purpose for their lives. Through CityKidz Saturdays, we inspire children to dream beyond their circumstances so that one day they will reach their full potential.
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CityYouth: Grades 7-10
Faith, Leadership and Lifestyle
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CityYouth builds on the relationships forged in CityKidz to demonstrate our continued love and support for kids as they enter their teenage years.
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With a focus on developing and practicing leadership skills, this Wednesday evening program encourages its participants to serve their communities. At CityYouth, teens explore topics like identity, wisdom, faith and relationships.
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Mentors connect with youth in small groups to work through the challenges in their lives and celebrate their achievements. This guidance and support helps youth grow into caring, resilient and mature young adults.
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Education Fund
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Supporting Post-Secondary Education
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The Education Fund, made possible by the generous support of the Weston Family Foundation, is our way of supporting CityYouth and Roadmaps to Dreams graduates who pursue post-secondary education. It provides yearly financial support to help offset the costs associated with their continuing education.
To date, the Education Fund has been awarded to dozens of ambitious and hard-working youth studying everything from nursing to political science to construction engineering.
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