The YMCA of Greater Dayton Helps Children and Teens in Need of a Safe Place to Go After School
The YMCA of Greater Dayton Helps Children and Teens in Need of a Safe Place to Go After School
August 11, 2011 - When the bell rings at the end of the school day, children and teens need a safe and nurturing place to go when their parents are still at work or away from home. According to the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization, 15.1 million children nationwide and 30% of children in Ohio alone are left unsupervised after 3 p.m., responsible for taking care of themselves. As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y offers quality afterschool programs that not only help youth learn, grow and thrive, but keep them safe and surrounded by caring adults.
Combining play with academics, the Ys afterschool programs fill gaps in schools and in the Miami Valley area by offering enrichment through arts, music, physical education, sports and nutrition. Youth in the YMCA of Greater Daytons afterschool program receive homework assistance and can engage in arts, crafts, games, activities and more within a trusted environment.
When the school bell rings, learning does not have to end, said Tim Helm, President/CEO, YMCA of Greater Dayton. The Ys afterschool program is a great way to keep children and teens not only safe, but engaged in fun and productive activities.
Studies show that participation in afterschool programs helps boost school attendance and academic performance, and helps to alleviate achievement gaps among children from disadvantaged households. Youth who attend afterschool are known to perform better academically and develop skills such as self-regulation, communication, problem solving, team building, negotiation and critical thinking. Its also a healthy way for children and teens to stay active and productive when the school day ends.
Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.
For more information about the YMCA of Greater Daytons afterschool program, please call 937-223-5201 or go to www.ymcaonline.org