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Name of Community:

 

Kitchener

 

Name of Host Agency:

 

Carizon Family Services

 

Program History: 

 

Working across two different communities with two of the highest dropout rates in Kitchener, the families in these neighbourhoods are eager to see the program succeed in their communities. Beginning in September 2007 Pathways students continue to achieve higher grades, attend school more regularly, and focus on the expectations and requirements of their educational plans. Tutoring and mentoring are now held in five locations throughout the Kingsdale and Chandler-Mowat communities, and the Student Parent Support Workers are meeting with students in over seven high schools throughout the Kitchener-Waterloo area. The program continues to grow as students, their families, and community members spread the word, and as Pathways to Education makes its mark in Waterloo Region. 

This summer Pathways Kitchener will host its 5th graduating class to add to their current total of 475 Alumni.

 

Geographical Boundaries, General Size, Catchment Area:

 

Located in the south central core of Kitchener, the catchment area for the Pathways program includes:

Chandler-Mowat and Valleyview neighbourhoods;

Courtland-Shelley, Traynor-Vanier, and Greenfield neighbourhoods.

 

Community Demographics:

 

On average:

• 10.2% of population is youth age 12-19

• 7.4% are recent Immigrants

• 2% are Aboriginal Youth

• 23% visible minority population

• 20.8% lone parent households

 

Community Partnerships:

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As host of the Pathways program in Kitchener, Carizon family and community services provides the delivery of community services in the area of children’s mental health, youth engagement and development, family violence, counselling, settlement supports and collective wellness.

 

Other Partnerships and Resources Include:

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Free the Children, The Hallman Foundation, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo, Downtown Community Health Centre, Community Food Bank, Scholarships Canada, Centre for International Governance Innovation

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Post-Secondary Areas of Interest for Pathways to Education Students: (Top 5-6 Programs)

 

• Health Science/Health Studies

• Social Sciences

• Business

• Protection, Security and investigation

• Human Services