PRESCOTT, November 5, 2019– The school year is filled with potential—starting new routines and habits, building new friendships and discovering new possibilities and interests. It’s an exciting time for many kids, however—at the end of the school day, 11.3 million kids head to homes where they are unsupervised from 3 to 6 p.m. according to Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness organization. The James Family Prescott YMCA is offering programs to school-aged children throughout the Quad Cities to keep youth active, busy and engaged during out-of-school time. Through a well-rounded approach to youth development, the Y’s programs offer activities in a caring and safe environment during the critical hours after school. Whether through sports, mentorship, or academic support, the Y nurtures the potential of youth throughout the school year.
“One in five children do not have someone to care for them after school, an essential time to help increase children’s success in school,” said Kristie Bandy, Childcare Director, James Family Prescott YMCA. “Afterschool at the Y is an opportunity for families to ensure their kids are receiving additional support, continued learning and a chance to participate in meaningful activities that can inspire children’s motivations and abilities to succeed.”
The Y is a leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, supporting their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development from birth to career. In the YMCA’s afterschool program youth will have time to work on homework and can also explore teambuilding activities, swimming, sports, science, technology, engineering, art, math and more. PUSD provides transportation to the Y. The YMCA is AZ state licensed and DES Approved. Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.
The James Family Prescott YMCA has adopted a set of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity standards in our afterschool programs that will build a healthier future for our nation’s children by providing healthy environments rich in opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity. Specifically, we will introduce more fruits and vegetables for snacks as well as growing our own fruits and vegetables in our own garden.
For more information about the James Family Prescott YMCA’s afterschool program, please contact Kristie Bandy, Child Care Director, at 928-445-7221, kristie.bandy@prescottymca.org or visit www.prescottymca.org.
About James Family Prescott YMCA
The James Family Prescott YMCA is a community within a community serving our diverse population in the quad-city area. As a leading nonprofit organization, the YMCA exists to strengthen the foundation of the community. The YMCA serves local communities in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey/Humboldt; offering over 60 health, wellness and community programs within the four-building facility.
The YMCA is dedicated to providing affordable programs and services to benefit people of all incomes and backgrounds. Thanks to the generous support of those who donate to the Y’s Annual Campaign and other fundraising events, financial assistance is available to those who cannot afford the full fee and qualify for assistance.
The YMCA aims to provide each member with every opportunity to reach farther and improve their lives and the lives of those around them. Through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility, the YMCA’s goal is to inspire positive and lasting social change. For more information visit www.prescottymca.org.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net