flyerYMCA/FCSC Challenged Children Project
Working together for mentally and physically challenged youth
Project Goals
The YMCA Challenged Children Project (CCP) began in 1987 with funds raised from the first YMCA International Run, organized by the YMCA Foreign Community Supporting Committee (FCSC) in cooperation with the National Council of YMCAs of Japan and the Tokyo YMCA.
These proceeds were distributed to some two dozen camps and programs of the Tokyo YMCA. The project has since grown to thirteen runs, two embassy charity events, corporate partnerships, and other activities which distributed over JPY 50 million in support of over 4,500 young people through such things as 110 local camps and programs, Special Projects, and the Douglas Kenrick Memorial Award for outstanding volunteers.
These programs have two goals:
(1) To support the development of challenged children through camp activities and fellowship in the outdoors; the development of self-confidence and skills for independent living and learning; and support of facilities for the challenged.
(2) To support and promote integration into and acceptance by mainstream society by holding friendship camps for challenged and non-challenged children and for Japanese and international youth; and by providing experience and training for current and future volunteers and professionals.
Camps & Programs:
These include fitness classes which help children coordinate their minds and bodies while developing teamwork and a sense of achievement; music and art therapy classes; and after-school support programs which help children with learning disabilities develop study and social skills.
Special Projects: Created in 2000, these funds assist one-time, non-operational costs in support of programs for challenged children. Previous projects funded include - movable seats and two-person stairs to help people get in and out of pools; pool facility renovations, such as support rails and ramps; and construction of a wheelchair-accessible pier at a campsite lake.
Learning Disabilities Project: This project launched pilot and research projects designed to improve conditions in education and the workplace.
Douglas Kenrick Memorial Award: Established in memory of one of the founding members of the YMCA/FCSC, the Kenrick Award recognizes YMCA volunteers for long and outstanding efforts on behalf of challenged children.
Your Help Is Needed
Equipment and instruments must be maintained, volunteers trained, insurance provided . . . In total, the real expense for each child at, say, the Camp for Disabled Children is JPY 160,000. Thanks to individual contributions and support from foundations, the participation fee is reduced to a manageable JPY 55,000, and a further JPY 20,000 is reduced for those who need financial support.
By far the greatest expense is the training and support of volunteers. Because volunteers contribute so much of their time, expenses such as food, lodging, and transportation are reimbursed by the camp. Contributions and funding, however, vary greatly from year to year, and your support of our efforts on behalf of physically and mentally challenged children is deeply appreciated.
Pledge on-line and help more children!
Reports
YMCA/FCSC Annual Pamphlet: The pamphlet includes information in English about sources of income, disbursements, and programs supported. Send your name and mailing address, and the report(s) will be sent by post.