YMCA AfterSchool Program awarded $5,000

jcpenney presented the Greater Burlington Y and the families it serves with an especially welcome gift to help ring in the New Year. A donation in the amount of $5,000 was awarded in support of the Y Afterschool Program. The money will help fund tuition assistance for families who are struggling financially. The impact of the gift will be doubled with a $5,000 match by the Greater Burlington Y to total $10,000.
"We are so appreciative of jcpenney and its commitment to provide access to quality, enriching afterschool educational experiences for all children," said Mary Burns, Y President and CEO. "Requests for financial assistance continues to climb steadily every year. This gift, combined with our match, will make a difference in several lives: the youth who will thrive in our care, and the reassured parents who know their child is in a safe place. Ultimately the community benefits because the Y helps shape compassionate adults by teaching Y character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility."
South Burlington Store Manager Kurt Shellenberger agreed saying, "jcpenney is committed to supporting youth-serving organizations like the Y because it provides such positive, meaningful programs for kids outside the school day."
National research indicates that one out of four students in the United States is on his own during the hours of 3-6pm each day (Afterschool Alliance 2009). Research also confirms that participation in afterschool programs helps boost school attendance, academic performance and closes the achievement gap among children from financially disadvantaged homes. The afterschool program at the Y currently serves 705 children in 20 sites across five counties. The program focuses on the development of social skills and healthy habits, regular physical fitness activities, academic enrichment, homework help and character building.
About the Y
The Greater Burlington Y is a non-profit organization with a mission to build a strong community by involving youth, adults and families in programs and activities that develop spirit, mind and body. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. gbymca.org
[Burlington, VT -- January 8, 2013] - YMCA