Developed by the United Way of Calgary and Area, All In For Youth is a citywide initiative focused on school completion. AIFY is guided by three principles: keep youth in school, bring youth back, and connect youth to continuing education.
Amanda Maki is the Success Coach at Bishop McNally and is employed by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary.
The aim of the Success Coach is to assist and support motivated youth to overcome barriers that are keeping them from succeeding and completing their schooling. Barriers can be simple or complex, single/one at a time or myriad.
Most of Amanda's contact with students is between classes, during their spares, at lunch, and via phone or text.
Student profile:
Motivated - desire to be successful
Has identifiable removable barrier getting in their way of being successful at school
Would benefit from positive adult/mentor
Can require short term or long term support
May need "one off" assistance i.e., referrals, connected to other resources, etc.
Barriers the student may face but not limited to:
Transportation - trouble getting to school, important appointments, etc.
Addiction concerns- can connect to appropriate resources, or take students to appointments
Financial need - clothing, food, hygiene products, etc.
Health/mental health concerns - advocate and find/connect students to resources
Challenging living situation - assist in problem solving, providing information, and/or connecting to resources
Lack of positive role models - students can touch base daily, connect students with mentors and positive adults, connecting with community supports
Who can refer students?
Teachers
Support staff
Family members
The students can self-refer