Newcomer On the Move was a provincial project delivered
by the CAAWS from 2009 to 2011. The project was designed
to increase capacity at the community and provincial
level to address disparities in the availability and
utilization of healthy living programs for newcomer
girls and young women (ages 9-18). With funding from
the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport’s
Healthy Communities Fund, CAAWS collaborated with organizations
in Ottawa, Brampton, Hamilton and North Bay to develop
and deliver healthy living programs for this target
group.
The Newcomer On the Move project is built upon CAAWS’
proven On
the Move concept, which advocates for fun-filled,
female-only programs where participants can build their
skills and self-confidence. The four community programs
provided participants with opportunities to try new
sports and physical activities, visit and become familiar
with community facilities and service providers, learn
healthy living skills, and build a foundation for life-long
healthy living. Information from community organizations
about physical activity, healthy eating, and available
programs and resources was shared with participants
and sent home to support healthy living habits for the
whole family.
Outcomes
The Newcomer On the Move project was a great success
in each community. Key outcomes from the project are
included below; more detailed information on the program’s
challenges, successes and learnings can be found in
the Newcomer On the Move promising practice resource.
Program Stats and Facts
132 newcomer girls and young women participated
in the programs and were provided with a positive
healthy living experience.
92% said they tried either SOME or A LOT of new
activities.
90% of the participants said they would come back
if the program was offered again.
73% felt more knowledgeable about their community.
72% made new friends.
70% indicated their participation in the program
will help them be more physically active and make
healthier eating choices in the future.
53% felt more confident.
Almost 50% said the program motivated them to help
their family be more physically active and make healthier
eating choices.
Testimonials
One member said that in their neighbourhood,
the boys were “too competitive” but within
this group experience, you could “play what you
want” (Program Participant).
“I learned new things, like how
to deal with stress, because I think Newcomers are more
stressed” (Program Participant).
“I found out that you don’t
have to pay for everything” or “you don't
have to pay a lot – skating is only $2.25!”(Multiple
Program Participants).
“I want to pay my gratitude to
you and your program that you provided to both my daughters.
We are really impressed by the activities you brought
together… which are useful in our daily life,
educational, inspirational and entertaining all at the
same time. My girls were always happy and excited to
tell me what they learned today at the club…All
together it was a program that helped my teenage girls
in all aspects of their life” (Parent).
“..I fell in love with the program,
I love working with youth, that’s my passion…the
facts from the On the Move Handbook were so astonishing;
I am so used to playing everything, yet so many women
are not active. I didn’t realize. It was such
a learning experience, thank-you” (Program Leader).
“Partnerships that were formed,
they were strengthened even further, there was more
consistent dialogue with this program and beyond”
(Advisory Committee Member).
Project Partners
Host Organizations:
Ottawa
City of Ottawa – Girls ‘n Women in Sport
Hunt Club/Riverside Community Services Centre
South Nepean Community Health Centre
Brampton
COSTI Immigrant Services
North Bay
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
Big Brothers Big Sister of the North Bay and District
North Eastern Ontario Recreation Association (NeORA)
Hamilton
Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton
CAAWS would like to thank all the host organizations,
advisory committee members, program leaders, and other
community stakeholders for contributing to the delivery
of amazing community programs, and a valuable provincial
project. A big thank you also goes out to all newcomer
girls and young women whose participation and enthusiasm
made these community programs a huge success.
Program Funding
CAAWS appreciates the financial support received from
the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport’
Healthy Communities Fund
Resources
For resources developed as part of the Newcomer On the
Move project click
here
Sydney Millar
National Program Director Canadian Association for the Advancement of
Women and Sport and Physical Activity
N202-801 King Edward Avenue
Ottawa ON K1N 6N5
Tel: 613 - 562 - 5667
Fax: 613 - 562 - 5668
