April 22, 2019
Today is Earth Day. Founded as a national environmental teach-in, Earth Day also kicks off a week of celebrating the value of after school education where students have the opportunity and freedom to explore new things, learn to be better community members, and extend their horizons beyond their immediate neighborhoods.
Nearly 400 Y associates are the engine which makes Y Before & After School Enrichment programming across central Maryland, serving schools, children and families from as wide and diverse an array of backgrounds as the state of Maryland itself. Our after school professionals make a difference in the lives of young people every day. They expand opportunities for children to explore STEM, fine, visual and performing arts, college and career readiness, social responsibility and character development. Y Before & After School associates show up each day, addressing children's social and emotional needs, the achievement gap and promote well-being not only for students but for their families who need the peace of mind of knowing that their children are active, well-supported, learning and safe. Our associates in these programs have a short time each day to make an impact, requiring them to be highly focused and deliberate - and so they are! Oftentimes, Y kids don't want to leave because they are having too much fun!
This story, one among many, really exemplifies the importance and residual impact of our Before and After School Enrichment work:
A divorced mother of three who was temporarily utilizing public assistance (food stamps included) was offered a higher paying job a half an hour away from her current home. If she didn't take the job due to the longer commute, the children would have to move for a third time in a year due to the rising cost of rent, food and utilities this mom has to juggle. Enrolling her children in the Y Before and After School Enrichment program allowed her to take the job knowing her children are safe and active while she works longer days. The new job pays better, eliminating the need for public assistance. She was promoted to manager within a year, telling us her children felt safe, their grades improved and are happy in spite of her longer work day!
Now that is something to celebrate!
Y associates, like our wonderful, dedicated Before & After School Enrichment professionals, have a unique opportunity to influence young lives. On this Earth Day, let us redouble our commitment to guiding the young people we serve to be good stewards of each other, of community and of the earth.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland