Y program offers after school alternative
NORWICH – In an effort to further its mission of promoting physical, social and emotional growth and well being of youth in the community, the Norwich Family YMCA hopes to increase enrollment in its after school programs.
Most importantly, the Y wants to assure the community that cost shouldn’t be a deterrent.
“We want to promote a safe environment for children,” said YMCA Youth and Family Director Bonnie Tiffany. “No one is ever turned away just because they can’t pay for it.”
After school programs are offered by the YMCA for children grades K-6 at three locations throughout the county: The high school in Greene, the primary school in Oxford, and the Y in Norwich. Tiffany, who oversees all three locations, encourages parents to consider one of these as a safe place for their children. Tiffany said she understands the need for parents to work and extends and invitation for those seeking a positive after school alternative.
“Lots of parents are struggling. That’s why I’m pushing for them to sign their kids up here. I’d rather see them come here than go home to an empty house.”
Tiffany explained the programs revolve around the kids, their needs and their interests. “We always ask the kids what they would want,” she said. She added that current activities include fitness, jewelry making, cooking and scrapbooking; each activity is designed to suit the physical and educational interests of students.
Currently, the YMCA has over 120 students enrolled between all three sites, but Tiffany is striving to attract new faces.
Staffing is one of the strong points of the youth programs, said Tiffany. “The staff has to always be engaged with the children,” she said. She added that she tries to hire men and women in the after school programs to adjust to the interests of young boys and girls. The staff members are effective and important role models, she said. With one staff member for every 10 children, the YMCA is able to place focus on the demands of individual kids.
All after school programs are scheduled to last until 5:30 p.m. but it is a schedule that is flexible depending on family needs. Additionally, the cost of enrollment, which usually runs from $90 to $100 per month, depends on a family’s circumstances.
“It’s critical to the community,” explained Tiffany.
The YMCA after school programs are covered under the organizations Open Door Scholarship Program, which offers financial assistance to anyone who has trouble paying to use the Y’s facility and services.
For more information about the YMCA and its after school programs, contact Tiffany at 336-YMCA ext. 28 or email norwichymcayouth@citlink.net.
Most importantly, the Y wants to assure the community that cost shouldn’t be a deterrent.
“We want to promote a safe environment for children,” said YMCA Youth and Family Director Bonnie Tiffany. “No one is ever turned away just because they can’t pay for it.”
After school programs are offered by the YMCA for children grades K-6 at three locations throughout the county: The high school in Greene, the primary school in Oxford, and the Y in Norwich. Tiffany, who oversees all three locations, encourages parents to consider one of these as a safe place for their children. Tiffany said she understands the need for parents to work and extends and invitation for those seeking a positive after school alternative.
“Lots of parents are struggling. That’s why I’m pushing for them to sign their kids up here. I’d rather see them come here than go home to an empty house.”
Tiffany explained the programs revolve around the kids, their needs and their interests. “We always ask the kids what they would want,” she said. She added that current activities include fitness, jewelry making, cooking and scrapbooking; each activity is designed to suit the physical and educational interests of students.
Currently, the YMCA has over 120 students enrolled between all three sites, but Tiffany is striving to attract new faces.
Staffing is one of the strong points of the youth programs, said Tiffany. “The staff has to always be engaged with the children,” she said. She added that she tries to hire men and women in the after school programs to adjust to the interests of young boys and girls. The staff members are effective and important role models, she said. With one staff member for every 10 children, the YMCA is able to place focus on the demands of individual kids.
All after school programs are scheduled to last until 5:30 p.m. but it is a schedule that is flexible depending on family needs. Additionally, the cost of enrollment, which usually runs from $90 to $100 per month, depends on a family’s circumstances.
“It’s critical to the community,” explained Tiffany.
The YMCA after school programs are covered under the organizations Open Door Scholarship Program, which offers financial assistance to anyone who has trouble paying to use the Y’s facility and services.
For more information about the YMCA and its after school programs, contact Tiffany at 336-YMCA ext. 28 or email norwichymcayouth@citlink.net.
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