United Way launches new youth initiatives in Burlington

This article is the second of a six-part series written about the United Way of West Central Connecticut, serving the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, and Plymouth, demonstrating its impact on “what matters.”

Youth Matters
By: Jeanette Galván

When the United Way of West Central Connecticut transformed to its new business model, it maintained what it had done previously, and created another way to help more people as well as improve the community. United Way volunteers identified three areas in which to focus: youth, seniors and basic needs. The second article of this series will focus on a youth initiative and show how it has helped shape this community.

As part of United Way’s new model change, Burlington launched “Kids in the Middle” (KIM). The initiative’s primary focus is on middle school age youth and their transition from childhood to young adulthood. The initiative provides a way for youth who are not normally involved with school or community activities to become connected to their community. It teaches them self-worth, respect and how to work with others.

Plans are already underway for the new school year. At Har-Bur Middle School the KIM Coordinator is developing a mentoring program to support Kids in the Middle. While mentoring will be open to all students, the program will be available to students who are not involved, experiencing academic difficulty or who are lacking social skills. The student will be paired up with an adult from the community for one hour per week. “We’re focusing on creating a positive relationship with the adults so the students gain social skills, life skills and confidence,” said Deborah Kelly Watson, KIM Coordinator for Regional School District #10.

KIM has been very successful and there have been positive results in other communities. The students gain confidence and have better relations with their teachers, peers and the community. More kids are connected with the community than they were before KIM was created. With the help of the community, the students hope to maintain their success. “The community has been receptive to the initiative and we are looking forward to creating more connections,” said Paula Schwartz, Superintendent of Schools for Regional School District #10.

While the goal may be to get more kids involved, there are other hopes for these youth. “We want to raise these children to be responsible young adults. I hope that during their transition they can have people believe in them and help them reach their full potential,” said Watson.

Through these programs and others in the future Burlington is on the right path to helping more youth in the community – because that’s “what matters.”

Jeanette Galván, intern at United Way, is a senior at Hofstra University studying journalism and Spanish.