The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire are partnering with Well-Being Connections to tackle well-being among children, families and staff.
This partnership will give the clubs the ability to support the continued needs of children through a staff approach, according to a press release.
“Well-being is a way of living that cultivates a positive mindset, a sense of purpose, and resiliency to reach optimal functioning,” Casey Johnston, coach at Well-Being Connections, said in a statement. “Investing in people’s well-being, as a part of their professional development, creates a more positive environment for individuals of all ages within the organization.”
Over the past year, Boys & Girls Club has provided staff with a tiered approach to well-being training throughout the entire organization, focusing on providing the tools staff need for stress reduction, healthy communication and a fulfilling work-life balance.
Childcare is an important component of a healthy workforce and it became paramount as the pandemic spread worldwide.
“As an organization we put a lot of focus on providing children the tools necessary to create great futures,” Rebecca Wimmer, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire, said in a statement. “These same tools are just as important for our staff who are serving as mentors, caregivers and educators.”
Wimmer adds that the pandemic has taken a toll on mental health, and that the Clubs see it in the children they serve.
“As adults, we were not immune to that same stress. Everyone was affected to some degree,” Wimmer said. “Giving our staff the support necessary makes us better equipped to support our children. This is going to be ongoing work and the needs will be evolving. We’re committed to doing everything we can to make a positive impact.”
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) reported in February 2021, that many more young children had higher levels of social and emotional difficulties than expected due to the pandemic.
In addition, youth programs in Sioux Falls have validated this finding in their work with children and youth.
This is why, from top to bottom. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire is weaving well-being into every aspect of the organization. From meetings and curriculum to communication and education, well-being is taking a front seat.
“The benefits have been immediate in many cases and we’re excited by the momentum a well-being focus provides within our organization,” Wimmer said.
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