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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Visclosky today announced that he has delivered federal resources to support the YWCA of Northwest Indiana’s “Yes We CAn” youth program to promote academic achievement among at-risk kids.
“A nurturing environment offers kids a place to go to receive the help and support they need to say no to drugs and choose education instead,” said Visclosky. “The YWCA’s ‘Yes We CAn!’ program creates opportunities for many kids to engage in constructive activities and lead meaningful lives. I am proud to support the program and commend the YWCA for its positive impact on the lives of many.”
“With just a few weeks into the new school year our popular ‘Yes We CAn!’ after-school program already has a waiting list of more than 20 children,” said YWCA Interim Executive Director Boni Fine. “This grant assures that this effective program will continue to improve the school performance of the children we serve as well as enable us to launch a new program for teen girls in Gary in the spring.”
The YWCA’s youth program “Yes We CAn!” provides after-school and summer activities designed to improve academic achievement and decrease at-risk behaviors for children living in disadvantaged, low-income communities impacted by health and educational attainment disparities. During the school year, students from kindergarten through eight grade attend daily after-school tutoring sessions and recreational activities designed to create a safe-haven for learning and shaping youth ideologies to live healthy and positive lifestyles. During the summer, youths and their families participate in personal development and recreational activities designed to strengthen family bonds. The program serves 100 children, ages 5 to 18, and is expanding to include a new after-school program focusing on prevention and intervention for at-risk teenaged girls. The YWCA of Northwest Indiana will utilize $850,000 Visclosky secured for it in the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act. |
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