The Pocono Family YMCA was awarded $10,000 of grant funding by AllOne Charities to support the implementation of The Weller Health Education Program into its School-aged Child Care program. The Pocono Family YMCA’s mission is to be the community’s leading choice for Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. The Weller Health Education Program, a product of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, is one of several co-programming initiatives being offered as a result of a recent partnership agreement between the Pocono Family YMCA and Lehigh Valley Health Network. The mission of the Weller Center is to “Measurably improve children’s
lives by giving them, and the adults in their lives, the tools they need to make informed and healthy decisions and healthy life choices.”
“The Y is grateful to receive this award from AllOne Charities because we believe improving community health starts with our youth,” said Scott Peckins, CEO of Pocono Family YMCA. “This series of outcomes-based health education programs including character education, addiction prevention, growth and development, hygiene and nutrition, and fitness align perfectly with the Y’s mission of facilitating youth
development from cradle to career.”
With this funding, the Y will be able to make upgrades in technology, train staff and provide financial assistance to disadvantaged families so all children can benefit from the program regardless of socioeconomic status. 37% of the students in the Y’s childcare program are low-income and even more come from families who struggle to afford quality childcare. Through the support of funders like AllOne Charities, the Y stands in the gap for these families providing scholarships to those experiencing financial hardships. We believe this grant will significantly impact ensuring that underprivileged children in our community receive high-quality health education.
Picture left to right: Scott Peckins, President & CEO, Pocono Family YMCA, John and Kimberly Yarnall, Development Specialist, Pocono Family YMCA.
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