YMCA of San Francisco Receives $30,000 Grant from JCPenney Afterschool to Engage More Youth in Afterschool Programs
November 8, 2010
Funding will be used to provide financial assistance to children and teens
San Francisco, November 8, 2010 –Thanks to a $30,000 grant from JCPenney Afterschool, six Y’s in San Francisco and Marin counties: Bayview, Chinatown, Embarcadero, Marin, Stonestown, and Urban Services YMCAs will have the opportunity to help more children and teens participate in safe, life-enriching afterschool programs this school year.
This gift is one of 287 grants being awarded by JCPenney Afterschool to YMCAs around the country. It is designed to help Ys provide financial assistance to students (grades K-12) who otherwise could not afford to participate in afterschool programs.
“JCPenney is firmly committed to supporting youth-serving organizations, like the Y, that are dedicated to providing positive, meaningful programs during the crucial hours of 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., when studies show that a quarter of America’s children are unsupervised after school,” said Jodi Gibson, community relations director for JCPenney and president of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. “By collaborating with the Y, we can ensure that more children have access to afterschool programs that inspire them to be smart, strong and socially responsible.”
Today, with thousands of afterschool programs across the country, the nation’s YMCAs are a leading resource for parents seeking a safe, enriching place for their children to go after school. YMCA afterschool programs focus on the holistic development of youth, which include elements that promote health and well-being, social skill development, emotional development, creativity, character development, sports and service.
In San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo counties, the YMCA serves nearly 9,000 kids annually through a variety of different afterschool programs throughout the community.
“The YMCA of San Francisco is dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility,” said Chuck Collins, President and CEO. “This generous support from JCPenney Afterschool strengthens our efforts by giving parents of our community peace of mind, and their children a place to learn, grow and thrive.”
JCPenney Afterschool has supported YMCA afterschool programming since 1999. In addition to awarding afterschool access grants, JCPenney Afterschool has implemented Round-Up fundraising events and a JCP cares social media campaign to raise awareness and resources in support of afterschool programs in every JCPenney community.
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About JCPenney’s Commitment to Afterschool
As a leading corporate advocate for the afterschool issue, JCPenney works with afterschool organizations to increase the accessibility and affordability of afterschool programs across the country. Through its legacy of supporting youth and charitable organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, The Y, National 4-H, United Way and FIRST, JCPenney formalized its commitment to the afterschool issue by establishing the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For over a decade, more than $100 million has been distributed to afterschool programs across every JCPenney community thereby making it possible for more children to participate in life-enriching programs that inspire them to be smart, strong and socially responsible. For more information, visit www.jcpenneyafterschool.org.
About the Y
The YMCA of San Francisco makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and become healthy. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the nation’s health and well-being, and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors.
At the YMCA of San Francisco strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to improve their lives and their community.
For more information, visit www.ymcasf.org.
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