Latest news with #YMCA
RNZ News
a day ago
- General
- RNZ News
Chronic homelessness up 50 percent across New Plymouth
Rough sleepers have set up camp in downtown New Plymouth. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin People working with the homeless in Taranaki say there are more people who need help, and their needs are becoming more complex. This comes as new government figures show the number of unhoused people nationwide is increasing. The temperature is in single digits when the team from the new YMCA men's night shelter sets out to deliver a cargo of donated Pātea Hangi Shop kai to the homeless in New Plymouth. But a warm welcome awaits when they pull up on Devon Street in the central city. A man, who gave his name as Drake, was one of about half a dozen people sheltering under shop awnings. He'd given up looking for a home. "I choose not to get a house now. This system made me this way so now I'm comfortable with it. I can't sleep on mattresses and that, you know what I mean." Even the cold didn't bother him. "It's easy ... nah it's not but because I've been doing it for a while homelessness is easy. "The only thing anyone ever wants is a bath and I do that everyday anyway. Sink, water, you know what I mean." Shelter manager Adam Douglass and YMCA social services manager Kylie Ewing in the under construction men's night shelter and at its entrance. Homeless will be picked up and delivered to the shelter which will be dry. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin Drake's looking forward to be able to use the night shelter's laundry. "For me personally, because I like being clean that's highly important, so that's great. A welcome addition to the homeless circle. "Before I'd wash my clothes myself and hang it on the main street before the council came around and is hassling us, you know. "Now they can get washed and dried without having to wait days for them to dry." Drake's bunkered the hangi for breakfast because he'd eaten at Waimanako / the Hope Centre earlier. Paul had a history of homeless and stopped by to hang with his mates. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin Paul's paying a social visit. "I've just come down to see the fellas and catch up and have a laugh, and be smart to some people, and have a joke, and a laugh, yeah." The 55-year-old's got a unit now, but had history of living rough. "Across the road from council, they had the buildings that they pulled down there and we just broke into there, me and another guy. "We had this whole building to ourselves. They ended up pulling it down, but we were sweet. We had toilets, water, you know, we were pretty much set up." In between drop offs, night shelter manager Adam Douglass explained the city's housing need was complicated. "We've got concrete sleepers, for example, we've got people sleeping in cars, people couch surfing, people sleeping in people's garages. It's a really complex situation." Those living on Devon Street have had a lot of attention but the night RNZ visited, the YMCA team also checked in with people all over town. People sheltering in pop-up tents on a church stoop, a man living in a car parked behind a popular takeaway, a group now barred from the CBD who were hold up at the Moturoa shops, and even one young man at campground. New Plymouth YMCA men's night shelter manager Adam Douglass with hangi. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin Social services manager at the Y, Kylie Ewing, said there were about 1000 people in housing need in the city alone. "So, within that 1000 you can generally expect about about 5 percent of those to be chronically long-term rough sleepers, so those are the ones we see on our streets." Census figures - which the Homelessness Insights Report is based on - show district wide in New Plymouth there were about 78 rough sleepers in 2023 - up more than 50 percent on five years ago - about 50 of those people scratched together a life in the city itself. In Taranaki, there were about a further 40 chronically homeless people in the Stratford District (9) and the South Taranaki District (29). Ewing said this group faced entrenched, complex challenges - including long-term mental health issues, substance dependency, and the absence of stable support networks. She said these were not short-term crises but enduring struggles, and the food run was about building relationships ahead of offering consistent, compassionate, and culturally grounded care. Paul was onboard with that. "They said somebody's bringing a hangi down, so I thought I might stick around, eh." Social worker Mel Mitchell prepares to deliver hangi. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin Ewing said the shelter - which would have about 20 bed and 30 storage lockers - would be a dry facility. The homeless would be picked up and brought directly to the purpose-built Whare o Tapatahi. "It's a trauma-informed, culturally responsive practice model-rooted in te ao Māori values that prioritises safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration. "Staff are trained to uphold manaakitanga and whakawhanaungatanga, ensuring that every interaction respects the dignity and autonomy of some of our most vulnerable tāne." Ewing said by focusing on the chronically homelessness, Whare o Tapatahi would not just be offering shelter - it would offering a pathway to healing and stability. She hoped in the near future to be able to offer a similar service to women. The New Plymouth District Council and Toi Foundation had committed $1.2 million to the set up and operation of the YMCA men's night shelter. After some fit-out hick-ups it planed to open in September.
The Citizen
a day ago
- General
- The Citizen
Gauteng opens 2026 school admissions online
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has officially switched on the 2026 Online Admissions System, marking the start of applications for parents and guardians with children going to Grade 1 and Grade 8 at Gauteng public schools in the 2026 academic year. Speaking at the YMCA in Ga-Rankuwa Zone 5, the MEC expressed confidence in the department's online application system. 'I have just received confirmation that 80 000 applications have already gone through since the opening this morning. The parents are responding positively, and we are anticipating that we will have a much larger number by the end of the day. So far, so good. I have not received any complaints about glitches. There hasn't been a system crash, so all is well,' Chiloane said. The YMCA in Ga-Rankuwa Zone 5 serves as one of the 81 walk-in centres across the province, where parents and guardians who do not have access to the requisite resources can get assistance. Parents and guardians can submit their application online on any device by visiting The 2026 online admissions application period will close on Friday, August 29 at midnight. The MEC said significant upgrades have been made to the province's online admissions system aimed at improving user experience and processing efficiency. 'Every year after we have done the application process, we do a review and engage a couple of stakeholders that interact with the system, the learner, parent, SGB just to get feedback as to where can we improve. 'Largely, it has been improvements in communication that we have made. When you apply you get an SMS that shows you have completed the steps,' he said. The MEC said another major enhancement was the system's processing capacity. The upgraded platform can now handle up to 40 000 applications per minute, reducing delays and improving turnaround time during the high-traffic application period. 'We have also improved as well on allowing parents (mother and father) to apply for the same child but obviously the system will only give them an option of 5 schools, so there has been quite a lot of improvement in the system, we have done quite a lot,' Chiloane said. How the system works All parents need to register new profiles. Old profiles and previous login details will not work. After registering on the system will prompt parents to create login credentials (username and password). 'Parents must keep these credentials safe, as they will use them to access the Online Admissions System, and view and manage their profile and application details. 'Parents must accept the POPI [Protection of Personal Information] disclaimer, enter their correct ID number and details, and remember to read and accept the Terms and Conditions,' Chiloane advised. Once parents have gained access to the system, they must begin with the application process and ensure that they complete the 5 step application process. 'It is essential for parents and guardians to fill in correct and accurate details in every step of the application process as prompted by the system. Documents must be uploaded or submitted within seven days of applying. 'Registering a profile without completing every step of the 5 step application process will result in an incomplete application and the applicant not being considered for placement,' he said. To receive important SMS notifications and updates regarding their application(s), applicants must provide one reliable and correct cellphone number when registering. 'Every step of the application process will be confirmed via SMS for security and verification purposes. There will be weekly pop-up messages on the system and SMS notifications sent to registered applicants as reminders to complete their application. 'SMS notifications will also be sent to parents to acknowledge submission and verification of documents. Therefore, parents are encouraged not to change or lose their cellphone numbers, but in unforeseen cases the department must be contacted for assistance,' the MEC explained. He encouraged parents to use the Home Address Within School Feeder Zone option when applying on the system to see schools with feeder zones that cover their home address. To increase the chances of placement closer to the parent's home address, parents should select schools with feeder zones that cover the parent's home address. When applying, parents are urged to select a minimum of three schools and a maximum of five schools. All schools will remain open and accessible on the system for applications during the application period. Closing date No new applications will be accepted once the application period closes on August 29 at midnight. Parents are advised to not fall for scams that charge a fee to assist with applying online. 'Bogus operators are scamming parents by falsely promising guaranteed placements in exchange for money. All scams and illegal placements must be reported to the GDE. The GDE does not charge any fees for assisting parents with the application process, all official support is completely free,' the MEC emphasised. For more information, assistance or comments: • Call 0800 000 789 • WhatsApp 060 891 0361 or • Email: [email protected]
The Citizen
a day ago
- General
- The Citizen
2026 Gauteng School admission process begins
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has officially switched on the 2026 Online Admissions System, marking the start of applications for parents and guardians with children going to Grade 1 and Grade 8 at Gauteng public schools in the 2026 academic year. Speaking at the YMCA in Ga-Rankuwa Zone 5, the MEC expressed confidence in the department's online application system. 'I have just received confirmation that 80 000 applications have already gone through since the opening this morning. The parents are responding positively, and we are anticipating that we will have a much larger number by the end of the day. So far, so good. I have not received any complaints about glitches. There hasn't been a system crash, so all is well,' Chiloane said. The YMCA in Ga-Rankuwa Zone 5 serves as one of the 81 walk-in centres across the province, where parents and guardians who do not have access to the requisite resources can get assistance. Parents and guardians can submit their application online on any device by visiting The 2026 online admissions application period will close on Friday, August 29 at midnight. The MEC said significant upgrades have been made to the province's online admissions system aimed at improving user experience and processing efficiency. 'Every year after we have done the application process, we do a review and engage a couple of stakeholders that interact with the system, the learner, parent, SGB just to get feedback as to where can we improve. 'Largely, it has been improvements in communication that we have made. When you apply you get an SMS that shows you have completed the steps,' he said. The MEC said another major enhancement was the system's processing capacity. The upgraded platform can now handle up to 40 000 applications per minute, reducing delays and improving turnaround time during the high-traffic application period. 'We have also improved as well on allowing parents (mother and father) to apply for the same child but obviously the system will only give them an option of 5 schools, so there has been quite a lot of improvement in the system, we have done quite a lot,' Chiloane said. How the system works All parents need to register new profiles. Old profiles and previous login details will not work. After registering on the system will prompt parents to create login credentials (username and password). 'Parents must keep these credentials safe, as they will use them to access the Online Admissions System, and view and manage their profile and application details. 'Parents must accept the POPI [Protection of Personal Information] disclaimer, enter their correct ID number and details, and remember to read and accept the Terms and Conditions,' Chiloane advised. Once parents have gained access to the system, they must begin with the application process and ensure that they complete the 5 step application process. 'It is essential for parents and guardians to fill in correct and accurate details in every step of the application process as prompted by the system. Documents must be uploaded or submitted within seven days of applying. 'Registering a profile without completing every step of the 5 step application process will result in an incomplete application and the applicant not being considered for placement,' he said. To receive important SMS notifications and updates regarding their application(s), applicants must provide one reliable and correct cellphone number when registering. 'Every step of the application process will be confirmed via SMS for security and verification purposes. There will be weekly pop-up messages on the system and SMS notifications sent to registered applicants as reminders to complete their application. 'SMS notifications will also be sent to parents to acknowledge submission and verification of documents. Therefore, parents are encouraged not to change or lose their cellphone numbers, but in unforeseen cases the department must be contacted for assistance,' the MEC explained. He encouraged parents to use the Home Address Within School Feeder Zone option when applying on the system to see schools with feeder zones that cover their home address. To increase the chances of placement closer to the parent's home address, parents should select schools with feeder zones that cover the parent's home address. When applying, parents are urged to select a minimum of three schools and a maximum of five schools. All schools will remain open and accessible on the system for applications during the application period. Closing date No new applications will be accepted once the application period closes on August 29 at midnight. Parents are advised to not fall for scams that charge a fee to assist with applying online. 'Bogus operators are scamming parents by falsely promising guaranteed placements in exchange for money. All scams and illegal placements must be reported to the GDE. The GDE does not charge any fees for assisting parents with the application process, all official support is completely free,' the MEC emphasised. For more information, assistance or comments: • Call 0800 000 789 • WhatsApp 060 891 0361 or • Email: [email protected] –
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and YMCA team up to deliver exciting experiences to kids this summer
EDMONTON, Alberta, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This summer, YMCA of Northern Alberta is teaming up with the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation to deliver unforgettable day camp experiences to children and youth at the Fan Park @ ICE District. On July 25th, the two organizations will be hosting a YMCA day camp outside of Rogers Place for more than 200 kids. The day will include hockey skills activities, fun games and appearances by Hunter the Lynx and Edmonton Oilers alum and broadcaster Jason Strudwick. The EOCF and YMCA have plans to replicate this experience three more times this summer, adding Rogers Place tours for older teen participants and giving nearly a thousand kids and youth this very special Edmonton Oilers summer day camp experience. 'We are so grateful for the generosity of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation for providing this unforgettable experience to our YMCA summer day campers,' says Ashton Raeyr, Director of Fund Development for YMCA of Northern Alberta. 'At the YMCA, we never turn anyone away for the inability to pay. Many of the kids at our day camps can have these experiences thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners.' 'We're proud to partner with the YMCA of Northern Alberta to bring a day camp experience that will host hundreds of kids in our community space in Fan Park @ ICE District throughout the summer,' says Myrna Khan, Executive Director, Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation. 'Through our Every Kid Deserves a Shot initiative, we're focused on breaking down barriers so that all kids across Oil Country—especially those in vulnerable circumstances—can access sport and experience the power of belonging.' Right now, the YMCA is running a campaign to send 500 kids in need to camp this summer. To help them reach their goal, visit . About YMCA of Northern Alberta YMCA of Northern Alberta is a registered charity dedicated to igniting the potential in people since 1907. From providing quality child care and supporting people in their health and wellness to delivering important community outreach programs, the YMCA works to strengthen communities in the Red Deer, Wood Buffalo, Grande Prairie and Edmonton regions. For more information, visit .
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cambridge YMCA Gymnastics team excels at Nationals
The Cambridge YMCA Gymnastics team recently traveled to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2025 YMCA National Gymnastics Championships, on the campus of Packer Stadium. A total of 12 young Cambridge athletes turned in a solid performance in the huge event that featured over 1,700 athletes, from 16 states and 78 teams covering all of the levels. The Cambridge Level 2 team consisting of Charleigh Tilton, Lucy Sebek, Abigail Carpenter, Lila Faller and Audrey Graham was crowned national champions for a second straight season, successfully defending their title as they competed against 22 other teams to claim another championship. Skylar Kenworthy, Sophia Johnston, and Shiloh Blasenhauer comprised the Cambridge Level 7 team that finished in third place out of 24 teams despite just having a three-member team, which is the minimal number you can have to field a team. The local team battled for third place despite competing against teams that had upwards of 15 or 20 gymnasts. Also competing for Cambridge were Laighla Boyd and Lillian Willis in Level 3 competition, with Aliza Rosser at Level 6 and Ivy Williams in Level 4 action. More: Summer Fun in Ohio: A list of 10 popular outdoor activities The Cambridge team was accompanied and coached by Cheryl Matthews, Brittany Matthews and January Parrish. This finished off an impressive season for the Cambridge YMCA gymnastics team that consisted of 39 athletes. Finishing with numerous event champions, even more regional event and all-around champions, the team swept all levels in the district championships. KSutton1@ X: @KSuttonDJSports; Instagram: kevinsutton_dailyjeffsports This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Charleigh Tilton ,Lucy Sebek, Abigail Carpenter, Lila Faller and Audrey Graham claim 2nd National title
