Impact Stories

Fun, well-being and support: How School’s Out is shaping bright futures in Lumby

Summer is finally here! At the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre, the sun is bright and shining, the pool is inviting, and the playground is packed with kids playing and enjoying the longer days with extra doses of joy!

Unfortunately, perfect days like this are becoming increasingly rare for many children in BC. Due to the global economic crisis, families are struggling to make ends meet. With less money, parents must work more and miss precious time with their kids.

United Way BC School’s Out Program is designed to support school-aged children by providing them with safe spaces during critical hours between 3 – 6 pm. The program is tailored to foster children’s mental, physical, emotional, and social development in local communities.

“With this economy, everyone is struggling, especially our young families. If the program weren’t free, most of our children would not have the opportunity to attend a childcare program. This would force the parents to reduce their work hours,” explains Payton Kineshanko, Whitevalley’s program coordinator.

School’s Out sets kids up for success, building their self-esteem by providing the necessary tools to help them be independent, ensure a healthy lifestyle, and promote personal well-being.

“I remember the first time I met Lorenzo and his mother, Constanza,” recalls Payton. “They came to visit the program before school began as they knew the transition would be difficult for the child. He was very shy and could not regulate his emotions at the time. Mom explained they were even receiving additional outside support for Lorenzo, who was five years old at the time.”

“School’s Out has been a fundamental pillar for our family balance,” says Constanza. “My husband and I are working parents, so it would not have been possible to sustain our lifestyle without a program like this. It not only makes a big difference financially, but most importantly, it nurtures a healthy life balance that all families need.

It creates a safe and stimulating environment for kids where growth and development take place. It’s such a valuable support, as it is a place where I trust my child, my most precious thing in life, and I have peace of mind that he is well taken care of and having fun.”

In Lumby, BC, at the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre, United Way BC’s School’s Out runs all school year long, Monday to Friday, 7 to 8:30 am – before school and 2:30 to 5:30 pm – after school. It has been helping 40 children every day.

“Lorenzo has grown up a lot this past year,” shares Contanza. “School’s Out has really impacted his skills for self-regulation in many areas, so if the program weren’t here, he would be very behind in school, and he wouldn’t have as many friends as he has now. The older children care for him in the playground, and that gives him big motivation to go to school.”

United Way BC School’s Out helps to aid healthy development for children in Lumby and around the province at over 180 program sites in Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Central and Northern Vancouver Island, Southern Interior, and Thompson Nicola Cariboo. Thanks to our donors, almost 5,000 children participated in School’s Out throughout BC.

“Supporting this program is extremely important because it has changed and continues to change the lives of many children and families for the better, turning our communities into more inclusive environments and building positive connections. The impact it has made is truly unforgettable,” concludes Payton gratefully.

All children deserve a chance to reach their full potential. “Before coming to School’s Out, I didn’t want to go to daycare. Now I have fun and make friends,” says Lorenzo.

Let’s be UNITED for kids and youth in need. Donate generously.

Learn more about United Way BC’s School’s Out.