YFMP PHASE I SEPTEMBER 2009 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

recreational opportunities, soccer fields already used beyond their capacity, high levels of demand for strained nonprofit services, and youth asking simply for more adult mentors and role models. In many regards, the prospects may look grim and the obstacles to overcome seem steep. Nevertheless, this report's assessment of the challenges facing Santa Ana youth suggests many favorable opportunities that demand little in the way of financial obligation or organizational overhaul. Many recommendations focus on greater coordination of agencies: between the city and the school district; volunteers and nonprofits; and the private and public sectors. Through more joint -use collaborations, schoolyards could be used for after - school athletic play. Careful targeting of policies in park -poor neighborhoods and "unhealthy" school catchment areas will lead to greater social equity city- wide. Action on these recommendations could aid in deterring youth from getting involved with gangs and could offer children and teens safer places to exercise and socialize as they develop into healthy adults. Given that the city is now entering a 10 -year Healthy Communities Initiative with funding from the California Endowment, there is even greater cause for hope. This report and its findings may well offer data and support as the initiative goes underway. Further, implementing the report's recommendations can support many of the Healthy Communities Initiative's objectives and outcomes. Interventions now can lead to a significantly healthier City of Santa Ana for many years to come.