Sussex County Y gets $5,000 grant from JCPenney

Hardyston — A $5,000 grant from The JCPenney Afterschool Fund will help underwrite the Sussex County YMCA’s afterschool programs. This grant award is specifically targeted to help YMCAs provide financial assistance to new and previously enrolled students (grades K-12) who cannot afford to participate in an afterschool program because of financial circumstances. This gift is one of 287 similar grants being awarded by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund to YMCAs around the country. “The JCPenney Afterschool Fund is firmly committed to supporting youth-serving organizations, like the YMCA, that are dedicated to providing safe, meaningful programs during the crucial hours of 3 to 6 p.m., when studies show that youth are at a greater risk of involvement in crime, drug abuse and other destructive behaviors,” said Jodi Gibson, president of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. “By collaborating with the YMCA, we can ensure that more at-risk children across the nation have access to afterschool programs that will inspire them to be smart, strong and socially responsible.” YMCA afterschool programs focus on the holistic development of youth, which include elements that promote health and well-being, social skill development, emotional development, artistry, character development, sports and service. “This generous support from the JCPenney Afterschool Fund strengthens our efforts to give working parents’ peace of mind and their children a place to thrive,” said David Carcieri, executive director of the Sussex County YMCA. “The Sussex County YMCA has a longstanding commitment to youth development and providing a safe, enriching place for young people to go afterschool.” The JCPenney Afterschool Fund has supported YMCA afterschool programming since 1999. For more information about the Sussex County YMCA please call (973) 209-9622 or visit www.sussexcountyymca.org.