Success By 6 is a community based partnership working to improve services for young children and families. It helps parents and communities create a healthy, nurturing environment for our youngest children, so that by age 6 they are physically, socially and emotionally ready to succeed in school. In BC, the Success By 6 partners include the Savings and Credit Unions of BC, United Way, the BC Government through the Ministry for Children and Family Development and our communities. United Ways and the Savings and Credit Unions of BC are working to match the BC Government's $10 million grant to the program through community and provincial fundraising efforts.
Success By 6 now includes 18 initiatives reaching 110 communities across the province, working to provide young children and their families with access to the programs and services needed in each community. Parenting, nutrition, literacy and play programs and outreach initiatives support children from birth to age 6. Success By 6 helps to ensure that all children develop the emotional, social, cognitive and physical skills necessary to succeed in school and life.
Studies demonstrate that children flourish in communities where resources for parents and children are available and accessible. Children who are healthy, literate and positively supported in their community are less likely to drop out of school, use drugs, have health problems or be involved in crime. Success By 6 is about helping children learn the skills they need to make healthy choices. In the long term, the whole community benefits.
Credit unions are very much part of the community and work to support services available to everyone in the community. Credit unions recognize the absolutely critical role Success By 6 plays in the healthy development of all children from birth to age 6. Investing in young children and their families pays dividends back into the future of our communities so everyone benefits.
Credit unions are working with their communities to raise funds, to create awareness of the need for improved services for young children and their families, and to assist in gathering input from the community. Credit unions are supporting Success By 6 through 38 independent credit unions in over 275 branches, serving approximately 1.3 million members throughout BC. Credit union staff throughout the province have been enthusiastic in their support for Success By 6.
Throughout April credit unions are leading a province wide fundraising campaign. Donations made to the campaign will stay in the communities in which they were raised and be eligible for matching funds from the $10 million provincial grant.
You can make a difference in a child's life by making a donation through your local credit union branch, on your credit union Internet site or by credit card at www.successby6bc.ca. The website also provides the name and contact information of your local Success By 6 coordinator who can answer questions about the Success By 6 activities in your community.