Lower Bucks Family YMCA Receives $1.2M Grant

From the Doylestown Patch Bulletin Board:

Lower Bucks Family YMCA’s 21st Century after-school and summer enrichment and tutoring program for Bristol Township students will continue as the result of a $1.2 million grant award, Governor Tom Corbett announced Monday, September 29, 2014.

The $23.1 million in funding has been awarded to 64 school districts and community-based organizations in 29 counties across the state. This funding will support educational resources in local communities to increase student academic achievement. The 64 grantees represent eight geographical areas of Pennsylvania and include 14 community-based organizations, 21 school districts, 12 charter schools, five intermediate units, three faith-based organizations, six nationally affiliated service organizations and three institutions of higher education.

Lower Bucks Family YMCA is the only organization in Bucks County to receive the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant this year. “It is a distinct honor to receive this grant to help further our mission focus of youth development by offering children opportunities for enrichment programs along with other community organizations,” said Zane Moore, managing CEO of Lower Bucks Family YMCA.

Through the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant program, the organization will use these funds to establish or expand community learning centers to provide students who attend high-poverty, low-performing schools, with additional high-quality academic opportunities. Enrichment programs in Bristol Township come from a variety of community partnerships including St. Mary’s Medical Center (CATCH program, a fitness and nutrition program), Inspire Credit Union (Financial Literacy) and the Council of Southeast Pennsylvania (Drug and Alcohol Prevention).
As a requirement of the grant, awardees must offer students a variety of enrichment opportunities that they might not receive at school or at home. Grantees are permitted to provide cultural, social or artistic activities to students, and services to their families. Lower Bucks Family YMCA will operate learning centers in five elementary schools and at Truman High School. The organization will also run regular family engagement and enrichment programs, classes and events.

All students receive a dinner and nutritious snacks daily as provided by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Lower Bucks Family YMCA is a not-for-profit organization whose Mission is to create relationships and offer programs that provide a healthy start for children, growth for youth and teens, wellness for adults, and unity for families. Its Vision is a Lower Bucks Community where ALL can enjoy safe and healthy opportunities to build Spirit, Mind and Body. For more information and program details, contact the YMCA at 215.949.3400