Afterschool programs at the Waynesboro Y address academic and social needs of youths

As children and teens return to school, the Waynesboro Family YMCA encourages parents looking for safe, educational and fun activities outside the classroom to take advantage of its afterschool programs. The Waynesboro Family YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, and a pioneer in afterschool programs, offers quality afterschool offerings to help youth learn, grow and thrive.

According to the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization, 15.1 million children in the United States are left unsupervised after 3 p.m. In Virginia, 34% of children are left alone and responsible for taking care of themselves.

“At the Waynesboro Family YMCA, we are committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen,” said Rebecca Patton, Childcare Director of the Waynesboro Family YMCA. “We believe all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. In our afterschool programs, hundreds of youth are cultivating values, skills and relationships, and have an extra support system that encourages them to achieve success.”

Combining play with academics, YMCA afterschool programs promote creativity, a love for learning, social and emotional development and character building in a safe and nurturing environment with caring adults.

Studies show that participation in afterschool programs helps boost school attendance and academic performance, and helps to alleviate achievement gaps among children from disadvantaged households. Youth who attend afterschool are known to perform better academically and develop skills such as self-regulation, communication, problem solving, team building, negotiation and critical thinking. It’s also a healthy way for children and teens to stay active and productive when the school day ends.

Youth in the Waynesboro Family YMCA’s afterschool program receive homework assistance and tutoring on tough subjects and can engage in arts, music, literacy, etc. 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 Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.　If you have questions about Afterschool Programs, please contact Rebecca Patton at 540-943-9622 ext. 208.