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Byrd's Eye View: Join Me to Support Before & After School Programs

David Byrd
August 31, 2016
Byrd's Eye View

The kids have returned to school, and so did I! I enjoyed spending an afternoon at one of our Before and After School Y Club programs during the first week of school.

While I was at our Y Club at Christa McAuliffe Elementary, I witnessed firsthand the excitement of the children, the dedication of our associates and the holistic approach that includes everything from academic enrichment, healthy living to social time. I helped students with their homework, then we headed outside to get active on the sports fields. 

Later we had social time and played games. At my age, I only recognized a few the games, so I learned some new ones and how to be a good sport--a couple of kids were much better than I was at one game that was new to me!

Our Y supports more than 6,140 children and their families each year through Y Clubs held in elementary school throughout the metro. That makes our Y the largest provider of after school programs in the metro. 

Across the country, the Y is the largest after school provider as well, serving 1.2 million kids daily. Kids find homework help, physical activity and friends, while parents find peace of mind that their child is safe and learning.

To get a glimpse of Y Club in action for yourself, watch this great video

As one of our parents in the video says about Y Club, “It’s a lifesaver for my wife and myself….When I can’t be there for my son, I feel like someone is there, responsible and a positive influence.”

Blessings!
David

JOIN OUR EFFORTS

You can join our efforts to make sure families receive the support they need.

  • Join our team. Are you passionate about working with youth? Or do you know someone who is? We’re currently hiring for many part-time job opportunities at Y Clubs throughout the metro including in the Platte County R-3, Olathe, Spring Hill, Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission school districts. Learn more and apply. 
     
  • Make a donation. The Y makes sure that families in need can be part of our programs. Your donation to Youth Development Services will support financial assistance to families unable to pay the stated fees.Donate online now, and for the “Y Location/Program,” select “Youth Development Services” from the dropdown menu. 

POSITIVE RESULTS

 More than 60 percent of Y Club participants improve throughout the year in: 

  • Healthy Living Knowledge—understanding healthy habits related to physical activity and nutrition, such as limiting screen time and identifying healthy foods and drinks 
  • Physical Activity Behavior—spending time daily being active 
  • Academic Importance—valuing learning, understanding school work and completing homework 
  • Academic Self-Efficacy—confidence to perform tasks associated with academic success, such as completing homework, working independently and asking for help when needed 
  • Social Self-Efficacy—performing social skills well, such as expressing opinions when others disagree, working with others and maintaining friendships