From: Waccamaw Youth Center
Date: Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Where: Conway, SC

Waccamaw Youth Center Receives Gifts

Waccamaw Youth Center has received $1000.00 from the Wal-Mart Foundation Store #2712 in Myrtle Beach and $1000.00 from the Wal-Mart Foundation Store # 621 in Lake City, $10,000.00 from the Rite Aid Foundation, $1500.00 from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina Foundation, $3000.00 from the Wachovia Foundation, $250.00 from Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church Women’s Club, and games for kids from Hasbro Toy Company. Waccamaw Youth Center will use the gift towards their Six Pack Method Program, which will begin on August 24, 2009. The Waccamaw Youth Center is the first and only low management home in Horry County serving severely abused, abandoned, and/or neglected youth ages 12-21. The Six Pack Method is a project designed to address the root causes of limited success among foster children and at-risk youth. The primary goal of the project is to break the cycle of dysfunction, poverty, and struggle that many youth inherit. To do so, Waccamaw Youth Center will address six components that are identified as vital to their well-being, future independence, and developmental progress. The project’s success will be measured using various methods including case studies, pre and post testing, evaluation tools, self studies, and data from internal reporting. Each year, approximately 35 young men call the center home and their participation, progress and performance will be measured against our goals. If the project is able to correctly meet the diverse needs of each individual child, their chances at success are far greater. The Six Pack Method will be integrated into the daily lives of the residents’ of Waccamaw Youth Center. Each day, planned activities will address the six core components that make up the method and assist in transitioning youth from at-risk to successful and contributing members of society. The Six Pack Method is comprised of the following components:
1) Education
2) Arts/Recreation
3) Vocational Needs
4) Life-skill Development and Independent Living
5) Health and Well Being
6) Spirituality
A Skills curriculum will be designed to provide 300 programs as optional activities to teach independent living skills, vocational training, educational enhancement, and social skills. Within 24 months, a child shall have completed the full curriculum and will take an independent living skills assessment, an academic assessment, and complete several hands on projects including an internship of 40 hours.