It is the mission of the Youth & Community Program Services to provide a well-balanced range of recreational and educational activities for individuals and families. Through these activities, we intend to build self-esteem, teach the importance of teamwork and have a positive impact on the community. Activities include after-school tutorial services, recreational activities, team sports, nutrition education, life-skill building workshops, cultural
enrichment and community awareness programs.
Moble Food Initiative
Includes fresh produce and other grocery items distributed through the Moble Food Initiative sponsored by Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes.
North-side Rocket Football & Cheerleading- Aug. to Nov. (Youth ages 7-12)
NRF is an activity steered by Y&AS designed to help children develop physically, academically and socially. Along with games and practices, NRF has mandatory study table sessions, guest speakers, field trips, special events and WMU campus involvement. NRF is staffed, in part, by an extremely dedicated group of adult volunteers who are guided by the principles that "athletics + academics + attitude = a winner in the game of life."
Healthy Choice Project (HCP)
Healthy Choice Project is a summer program that connects neighborhood youth and adults through a series of workshops, activities and events. HCP's intent is to provide teens with information and activities that can assist them in making proper life choices while offering a positive alternative to unsavory lifestyles. HCP focuses on issues of harmful substances, life skills and health/wellness. The education workshops are presented as part of summer basketball leagues sponsored by Hoopsters Association.
Tutorial Study Table: Sept.- Nov./ Jan. - Apr. (Youth ages 7-12)
Y&AS provides tutorial study table assistance to children in 2nd-6th grades. Open to all area students, the sessions are mandatory for all children that participate in Y&AS sponsored team sports. Study table's charge is to enhance participants educationally by assisting them with classroom homework, provide challenging practice worksheets and presenting fun and exciting educational games. The sessions are staffed by Y&AS staff, college volunteers and parents.
Developmental Basketball League Jan.- Mar. (Youth ages 8-14)
Developmental Basketball League (DBL) is a winter time after-school program. It provides young players with the necessary basketball skills to compete in league play. DBL emphasizes basketball fundamentals and the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. DBL is offered in four parts: practice, games, esteem builder activities, and study table. DBL is also a mentor program of the WMU Broncos men and women's basketball teams.
Alternative School Break
The ABL is a recreational and educational program for middle and high school students. The project goals are to enhance self-awareness and self-esteem, increase academic success, encourage leadership and to advocate community service.
Adult programs include:
- Volunteer Projects
- Service and Learning Projects to Engage Middle and High School Students
Other Co-Sponsored Activities:
- Youth Basketball League- boys ages 12-15 (June- Aug.)
- Summer Day Program (June - Aug.)
For more information about these programs, please contact O'neal Ollie, Program Manager at O.Ollie@douglasscommunity.org, or by phone (269) 343-6185 ext. 207.
PARTNERS
• Alma Powell Branch, Kalamazoo Public Library • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo • Turn 2 Foundation • Kalamazoo Youth Development Network (KYDnet) • Greg Jennings Foundation • Greater Kalamazoo United Way • Kalamazoo Public Schools • Hoopster's Association • City of Kalamazoo Parks & Recreation Department • WMU Professional Recreation Program • Kalamazoo College • WMU Athletics • Prevention Works • Irving S. Gilmore Foundation