Learning Happens Everywhere
During National Education Week, the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City recognizes that learning happens in school, at home, and everywhere in between—including the Y! From soccer teams to afterschool care, our programming is designed to support social-emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Specific programs like the Elementary School Sports League allow students in the Oklahoma City […]
A Heart for the Arts
It’s no secret that the arts have a drastic impact on children and teens’ development. The power of the arts is not only limited to mental development, but it allows for the exploration of new ideas, emotional expression and cultural appreciation. The arts, like many programs here at the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, are […]
Father’s Day: More Than an Excuse to Buy a Tie
Inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon over 100 years ago, Sonora Louis Smart Dodd wondered why there was no similar holiday for fathers. One of six children, Dodd’s father was a single father and she felt he and others deserved to be honored. After securing support from ministers in Spokane, Wash., her idea came to […]
Drowning is Preventable: Know the Facts, Reduce the Risks
Written by Melissa Anderson Although swimming, kayaking and boating are some of the most popular summertime activities, they can be some of the most dangerous, as well. At the Y, we are dedicated to always keeping kids safe, including when they’re in the water. In the same way we highlight child abuse prevention every April, […]
Tips for Water Safety
As temperatures rise, it’s only natural that kids want to cool off. Whether that happens in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams or oceans, that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. May is National Water Safety Month, and now is the perfect time for parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of equipping […]
Summer: A Time for Fun & Jobs
The transition into summer never ceases to amaze me. There’s this familiar, palpable mix of hope and anticipation in the air. Parents and children alike have high expectations and are all eager to be free from homework, surprise presentations and tests. For many of us, summer is a time to look forward to each […]
Listening and Responding to Children
Written by Jill Goyette Throughout the month of April, we’ve addressed the importance of understanding the Y’s abuse prevention policies, recognizing red flags and boundary violations, and how to talk with your children about abuse. Now it’s time to discuss what to do as parents or caregivers when children tell you about boundary violations, […]
Talking with Your Children About Abuse
Written by Jill Goyette Just because a conversation is important doesn’t mean it will be easy. Many parents and caregivers find that speaking to their children about abuse can be uncomfortable. Framing these conversations around other safety discussions you have may make it easier for you to work through some of that discomfort. If this […]
Access, Privacy and Control: The Warning Signs of Abuse
Written by Jill Goyette At the Y, creating safe spaces for youth to learn, grow and thrive is our top priority – especially following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kids need a safe space now more than ever, and we take pride in the measures we’ve taken to help keep your kids safe. Whether […]
Child Abuse Prevention: Know Our Employee Code of Ethics
Written by Jill Goyette As the Executive Director of Youth Development, I spend a large chunk of time working to improve our youth programs. Part of this includes designing and implementing child abuse prevention trainings for staff and volunteers. However, I don’t do this work alone. There is an entire Child Abuse Prevention team at […]
