A new school year is filled with potential – a chance to start new routines and habits, build new friendships and discover 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 form 3 to 6 p.m., according to Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness organization. As children transition from summer to fall, The Gateway Family YMCA is offering programs to school-aged children throughout our community 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 Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family 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. The Gateway Family YMCA offers Before and After School programs in many elementary and middle schools in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union. In The Gateway Family YMCA’s afterschool program youth receive homework help and can also explore Arts, Literacy, STEM and healthy activities. 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 Gateway Family YMCA employs Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards in afterschool programs that help build a healthier future for our nation’s children by encouraging healthy eating habits, limiting screen time and providing physical activity to keep every child healthy.
For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA’s afterschool program, please visit www.tgfymca.org or contact the Elizabeth Branch 908-355-9622, Five Points Branch 908-688-6922 or Rahway Branch 732-388-0057.
