YMCA of the USA, through their National Partner, JC Penny, awards eight $5,000 grants for a total of $40,000 to the YMCA of WNC’s Afterschool Program.
JC Penney and the JC Penney Afterschool Fund have supported YMCA Afterschool programming since 1999, distributing over $100 million dollars nationwide to JC Penney communities during the last decade. “Thanks to this grant more children in this area will now have access to the Y’s afterschool program,” said James Spearin, Executive Youth Development Directory of Child Care Services, YMCA of WNC.
The $40,000 awarded to the Y’s Afterschool Program will fund scholarships, and allow the Y to offer award winning programing to families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it.
YMCA of WNC’s licensed 4-5 star Afterschool Program is voted “Best Afterschool Program” by WNC Parent Magazine. The program offers care for children from 5 and 12 years of age, and is built around the Y’s four core values: honesty, caring, respect and responsibility. The program includes: cooking, sports, arts and crafts, team-building and anti-bullying education, swim lessons, tutoring, group games, outside play and activities designed to battle childhood obesity.
During the month of January the YMCA Afterschool Program is offering $50 off their registration fee in Asheville and Buncombe Co. Current program participants can receive up to $50 off one week’s programing fee when they refer a friend.
For Buncombe and Henderson Co., and Asheville programing contact YMCA of WNC Child Care Services at 828-210-2273. For McDowell Co. programing contact Corpening Memorial YMCA at 828-659-9622.