The Afterschool Alliance recently featured the YMCA of Columbia’s afterschool program in its America After 3PM special report, “Kids on the Move: Afterschool Programs Promoting Healthy Eating and Physical Activity.”
The report reveals parents’ views about the role afterschool programs play in improving kids’ health and physical fitness and describes areas where afterschool programs can better meet the needs of students and families by outlining steps we can take as a nation to help make positive change for student’s overall health.
The YMCA of Columbia was featured in the report for a closer look inside it’s afterschool programs, which “provide close to 600 students in our community – more than 60 percent of whom quality for federal free or reduced price lunch – with a safe environment and supportive mentors,” says Wendy Broderick, the YMCA of Columbia’s Chief Development Officer.
“Students’ health and wellness are core concerns for the YMCA of Columbia, with afterschool programs in the area offering a diverse mix of physical activity opportunities, such as yoga, dance, swim, physical fitness games and basketball tournaments that include parent and student teams,” said Broderick. “In addition to providing a nutritious snack each day, program staff help students learn about nutritional information and developing healthy eating habits, share ideas for healthy snacks and teach the importance of keeping active.”
The Y also provides children with an extra support system to help them achieve and reach their full potential. The Y is a leading nonprofit committed to youth development and a pioneer in afterschool programs. The Y believes guidance, encouragement and support through positive role models along the learning continuum – from early learning and preschool to high school graduation and college – provide the best chance for youth to succeed in school and life.
The YMCA of Columbia offers afterschool programs at the Lexington Family YMCA, Jeep Rogers Family YMCA at Lake Carolina, NorthWest Family YMCA in Irmo and some Richland County School District One schools. Registration for the 2015-2016 school year opens May 1 at www.columbiaymca.org or at any YMCA of Columbia location.
Broderick was selected by the Afterschool Alliance as one of twelve 2014 Afterschool Ambassadors across the country, who are chosen to support local afterschool programs, organize public events, communicate with policy makers and build support for afterschool programs.
About the Afterschool Alliance
The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs. More information is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org.
