Press Release: Take On Summer – Opening Our Doors To More Youth

ATTORNEY GENERAL MATT DENN AND MAYOR MIKE PURZYCKI JOIN THE YMCA OF DELAWARE TO ANNOUNCE THE EXPANSION OF THE “TAKE ON SUMMER” PROGRAM FOR YOUTH

Wilmington, Delaware, June 7, 2017 – Today, the YMCA of Delaware hosted a press conference to announce new initiatives for its TAKE ON SUMMER program which will begin Monday, June 19th and run through Friday, August 25th. The program will offer youth, ages 12 – 18, who live in the State of Delaware, free summer memberships to access the Y’s fitness facilities, swimming pools, as well as participate in art activities, games and social events.

NEW THIS YEAR, the program will also include STEM focused activities, music opportunities, cooking, photography, additional field trips, and comprehensive workforce development workshops. Free lunch, as well as other meals, will also be provided at some of the locations.

“We launched TAKE ON SUMMER in 2015 as a pilot program at two of our locations and we are now expanding the program to all of our branches so more young people have the opportunity to be engaged with the Y,” said Deborah Bagatta-Bowles, Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Delaware. “Keeping young people engaged in a positive environment is critical for many reasons including preventing violence and influencing school success. We are very grateful to Attorney General Denn and Mayor Purzycki for their support and partnership with our TAKE ON SUMMER initiative.”

“A big part of addressing crime in our state is preventing it from occurring in the first place, and giving young people an alternative to going down the wrong path. That’s why I have been committed to get summer and after-school programs up and running, especially in Wilmington, said Attorney General Denn. “The Central Y TAKE ON SUMMER program is one effort we have funded with money from the bank settlements, and this summer there will also be programs at other Ys in Delaware, at Boys and Girls Clubs around the state, and at neighborhood-level organizations that are stepping up to provide activities to youth with financial help from the Fund.”

“Many thanks to the YMCA of Delaware, its Board, its volunteers and staff for this generous extension of programming for our young people in Wilmington,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “The Y has a rich historic role in our City’s history. It has always been a place of comfort and strength for people of many generations. The “TAKE ON SUMMER” initiative continues the Y’s role of caring about our community and giving young citizens every opportunity to prosper and achieve.”

A community meeting for individuals, corporations or organizations interested in getting involved in the TAKE ON SUMMER program will be held next Wednesday, June 14th at 10:00 AM at the Central YMCA (located at 501 West Eleventh Street in Wilmington).

Additionally, for more information about the YMCA’s TAKE ON SUMMER program, contact Chrissy Shiring, Associate Executive Director for the Central and Walnut Street YMCAs at

(302) 254-9622 ext. 128.

About the YMCA of Delaware

The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest non-profit organization committed to strengthening local citizens through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed long-standing relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of every child and teen, improve Delaware’s health and wellbeing and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. www.ymcade.org.

 

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