Wooster YMCA Continues Updating Facilities While Building Strong Kids, Families, and Communities

  • By: Karen Skubik
  • October 6, 2013
  • 425
                        
Bright happy colors, books, games, computers, and gym mats are all part of the new look in the YMCA Youth Center. The inviting layout in the lower level of the Y’s Woodland Ave facility houses Clubhouse Kids, a before and after school childcare program. Open to all K-6 Wooster City School children, the center opens at 6:30 am and provides transportation to each of Wooster’s elementary schools as well as Edgewood Middle School. Likewise, in the afternoon buses pick up children at their school and bring them directly to the Y where they can play, eat, read, study, and socialize until 6pm. Jane Hackett, Child Care Director for the Y’s programs at both the Woodland Ave site and The Spot on Bowman St., shared “There’s a lot they can do, including their homework. We try to keep them busy.” In fact in November, after school classes will be offered in Spanish, cooking, computer, and gym. Participants don’t have to be a member of Clubhouse Kids to participate in the upcoming classes. As with any day care facility, one key to the success of the program is not just the activities offered and the materials available, it’s the caring nature of the providers. Gwen Sommer, executive director of the Wooster YMCA said, “All of the people that work in our before and after school program are great! They truly love the kids and are always looking for fun, educational activities to keep the kids engaged and learning!” Sommer added, “We are very happy to have our computer lab up and running! The computer stations were donated by CACI (the international company that acquired TechniGraphics), and the computers were graciously donated by Rea and Associates and the Western Reserve (Group) with help of United Way. The kids love having access to the computers for homework and to play educational games!” To provide space for the Youth Center, Meagan Wain, the Y’s Sports Director, explained that the Fitness Center was relocated last winter to the former Multi-Purpose Room, giving members a tranquil view of Christmas Run Park from the cardio equipment. Macey Pesicek and Mackenzie Jennings, both seniors at Triway High School, were found chatting and running on the treadmills while others used the free weights and weight machines. Pesicek belongs to the Y with her family and said she enjoys using the facility because “it’s close and convenient, and I really like everyone that works here”. The YMCA is a non-profit organization promoting a healthy lifestyle, welcoming and connecting diverse populations with a goal of building strong kids, families, and community. The newly renovated Youth Center provides an inviting spot to achieve these objectives in a safe, nurturing, and educational environment.


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