YMCA offers Family Literacy Program
Hardyston The Sussex County YMCA is offering a Family Literacy Program that has something for every age group and reading ability. The program will include children’s story hours indoors and outside, creative writing courses for tweens, teens and adults, evening book clubs, reading contests and tutoring programs. “This summer at the Y, between pool laps and running on our treadmills, we hope members and non-members alike will take advantage of this program that exercises the mind,” said Senior Program Director Joanne Browne. “Our mission statement as part of the Metro YMCAs of the Oranges compels us to enrich the lives and communities through programs that build spirit, mind and body,’ and sometimes nothing does this better than getting lost in a really good book.” The YMCA welcomes Literacy Coordinator Sarah VanderBok of Hamburg to their team through the Federal Work Study Program. This program, formerly known as the College Work Study Program, provides part-time employment for college students. It encourages working in community service organizations, like the YMCA, and having job responsibilities in the student’s field of interest. Sarah attends the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown completing her major in English and Creative Writing with a minor in Women’s Studies and Grecco-Roman Classics. She has a grade-point-average of 3.88 and is a member of the National Collegiate Honors council and Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society. “Sharing a good book and writing is my passion,” said Sarah. “I love the work I am doing at the YMCA, especially when I see a young child or teen get inspired to think in a whole new way. Whether reading an animal book to preschoolers, crafting a poem with teens or discussing the latest best-seller with adults, literature brings us all together in a positive way.” The YMCA is also hosting a summer reading contest for students in fourth grade through high school. The winner will receive a Barnes & Noble gift certificate. Sign-up sheet and recommended reading list is available in the YMCA’s Teen & Youth room. For more information on the YMCA’s Family Literacy Program, call 973-209-9622 or contact Sarah directly at svanderbok@cse.edu or visit the YMCA on-line at www.sussexcountyymca.org.