YMCA to reopen after-school care programs across country [social media press release]

 

[Chicago, Illinois] - October 21, 2020 - YMCA of the USA (the Y) is in the process of reopening its after-school care programs across the nation. YMCA’s phased approach to reopening, based on state and local health guidelines, is expected to provide much-needed relief for working parents amidst the pandemic.

Children from families that struggle to meet basic needs are most prone to poor grades, school dropout, and psychological problems. That’s where the Y comes in. The Y after-school programs help kids from 1st grade through the senior year of high school to foster friendships, belonging, and achievement. Many of these programs are offered at no or low cost to families, and all are available for financial assistance. Since protecting the safety of children is a top priority, the Y has adapted all the after-school programs to ensure that the environment follows the strictest COVID-19 regulations.

“Although we stopped serving members in our facility [in March], we never really closed our doors, “ said Alonda Williams, senior vice president and chief experience officer of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. “Right away we focused on making sure that we were taking care of first responders by caring for their children. We sprung into action to offer emergency child care [and] we continued our hunger programs … It was something that we were committed to from the very beginning.”

In Nashville, Tennessee, Metro Public Schools students are phasing back into their classrooms. At the same time, the YMCA of Middle Nashville is bringing back its in-person before and after-school programs at 50 locations. In Northern California, the YMCA of Silicon Valley is opening registration for after school programs. Local families also tap into their Y Super Scholars Program that teaches youth the foundational skills needed to develop healthy, trusting relationships, and builds self-reliance in small learning groups.

About YMCA of the USA (the Y):
Founded in 1851, the YMCA of the USA (the Y) is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by social connection. Present in 10,000 neighborhoods across the US, it focuses on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in the communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and ages, the Y bridges the gaps in community needs in its 160 years history. For more information about the Y, please visit ymca.net.

Reference list:
https://www.ymcasv.org/child-care-camps/after-school-programs
https://southseattleemerald.com/2020/10/16/ymca-introduces-workouts-by-appointment-and-after-school-enrichment-programs-in-a-box/
https://kesq.com/news/national-world/2020/10/20/ymca-is-reopening-before-and-after-school-care-programs/
https://www.ymca.net