Fond du Lac Area United Way awards the Fond du Lac Family YMCA $5,000 grant.
With Fond du Lac schools open in the Blended Learning Model for students in 5th grade and under, the Fond du Lac Family YMCA has been helping support families this year through the Y Learning Academy.
This program offers academic time, physical activity and peer connections in a small group setting, all with support from staff at the Fond du Lac Family YMCA. Back in August, the Y received a grant from the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, to help kick-start and support the program. Recently, additional support has been awarded to the Y in the form of a grant from the Fond du Lac Area United Way, allowing the Y to expand the Y Learning Academy’s ability to offer program scholarships to more families.
“The Y Learning Academy follows in line with what our organization is here for,” says JJ Raflik, CEO/Executive Director of the Fond du Lac Family YMCA. “The Y is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, continually supporting the needs of our community. Through the support of donors like the Fond du Lac Area United Way, the Y is able to provide programs and services to everyone in our community. The YMCA welcomes all who wish to participate and believes that no one should be denied access to the Y based on their ability to pay,” says Raflik.
“Thanks to the generosity of the individual and corporate donors who gave to our COVID-19 response and recovery fund, this investment to the Y’s Learning Academy is possible,” says Amber Kilawee, Executive Director, Fond du Lac Area United Way. “Making quality childcare affordable and accessible to all is a priority to the Fond du Lac Area United Way, particularly during this chronic COVID-19 phase when social and emotional well-being can be a struggle for littles. Consistency in their daily lives is integral to maintaining a balance,” says Kilawee.
For more information on the Y Learning Academy or information on how to apply for financial assistance for this program, contact Jennie Mildebrandt at jmildebrandt@fdlymca.org. To learn more on how you can help support the Y through a donation, contact Katie McCormick, Director of Mission Advancement, at kmccormick@fdlymca.org.