Dale Turner Family YMCA Receives $5,000 Grant from JCPenney Afterschool

Dale Turner YMCA. Photo courtesy YMCA.

The Dale Turner Family YMCA has received a $5,000 grant from JCPenney Afterschool to provide financial assistance for students in grades K-12 to participate in afterschool programs. This gift is one of 287 grants being awarded by JCPenney Afterschool to YMCAs around the country.

“JCPenney is firmly committed to supporting youth-serving organizations, like the Y, that are dedicated to providing positive, meaningful programs during the crucial hours of 3 pm to 6 pm, when studies show that a quarter of America’s children are unsupervised after school,” said Jodi Gibson, community relations director for JCPenney and president of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund.

The Y comments: 

"Today, with thousands of afterschool programs across the country, the nation’s YMCAs are a leading resource for parents seeking a safe, enriching place for their children to go after school. YMCA afterschool programs focus on the holistic development of youth, which include elements that promote health and well-being, social skill development, emotional development, creativity, character development, sports and service."

In the Shoreline and Edmonds school districts, the YMCA serves 130 children from eleven schools at four sites. Over 40 percent of those children receive subsidies toward their program costs.  

“The Dale Turner Family YMCA is dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility,” said Courtney Whitaker, Branch Executive. “This generous support from JCPenney Afterschool strengthens our efforts by giving parents of North Seattle peace of mind, and their children a place to learn, grow and thrive.”

JCPenney Afterschool has supported YMCA afterschool programming since 1999. In addition to awarding afterschool access grants, JCPenney Afterschool has implemented Round-Up fundraising events and a JCPcares social media campaign to raise awareness and resources in support of afterschool programs in every JCPenney community.