Every Kid in our Communities Coalition (EKIOC) hosted their Eighth “Recognition of Asset Builders” Event on June 2nd

Brockville — The Every Kid in our Communities Coalition (EKIOC) hosted its eighth “Recognition of Asset Builders” event on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at the Brockville YMCA. This event was a chance to celebrate and honour organizations, businesses, and people who make a difference in the lives of children and youth- in other words, they build assets!

Through a public nomination process, the following sixteen “asset builders” were identified, and recognized at the celebration: Angela Kelman, Anne Walker, Candice Serson, Cathy Tekamp, Cheryl Powers, Connect Youth, Daniel Preston, Four Season Dance Academy, Lesley Hubbard, Michelle Robinson, Jennifer Spronck, Judy Quick, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul – Weekender Program for Kids, Sam Burnette and Zach Benson.

These sixteen “asset builders” are helping to powerfully and positively shape the lives of young people. Tawnya Boileau, Chair of EKIOC Developmental Assets Work Group says: “We are so fortunate to live in a community where many organizations and individuals influence the lives of young people in a positive way”.

To keep the asset-building momentum going, EKIOC encourages residents to “Start with Hello”. The idea is simple- reach out and say hello to a young person, and then build a positive relationship, when possible. Through this initiative, EKIOC hopes to create communities where children and youth feel like they belong, are connected, feel valued, and have positive, caring relationships with adults. To learn more about building relationships to help young people thrive, visit https://searchinstitute.org/developmental-relationships.

For more information on EKIOC, please visit www.everykid.on.ca.