YMCA of Concord Awarded $150K Grant From Merrimack County Commissioners
Posted 03/01/2023
The YMCA of Concord, a branch of The Granite YMCA, was recently awarded $150,000 dollars in grant funding by the Merrimack County Commissioners to support the Child Development Center playground. The award is part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from which the Commissioners have discretion to support the needs of area non-profits.
“As one of the largest childcare providers in Merrimack County, the importance of an outdoor recreational area for play, expression and fresh air is vital to the health of the children we serve and the overall success of the program,” explained Michele Sheppard, President & CEO, The Granite YMCA. “The current play area falls far short of our standards for what children deserve and need to engage in safe and creative outdoor play,” Sheppard added. “We are grateful that the Merrimack County Commissioners saw the YMCA as meeting the federal funding criteria and we know this will have a positive impact on our Concord-based youth as the playground is remodeled, revitalized and greatly improved,” Shepard added.
The YMCA of Concord is one of the largest childcare providers in Merrimack County, serving close to 450 preschool and school-aged kids daily. Preschool and afterschool programs are Certified as License Plus (only 11% of all licensed NH childcare providers are License Plus).
The YMCA of Concord Child Development Center, located at 44 Warren Street in downtown Concord, has a playground that was adapted from a previous parking lot. Although some softer surfaces had been added, much of it is still asphalt. The current playground has very poor drainage and during winter months is inaccessible due to ice.
“We have exciting plans that will include improving drainage, resurfacing the existing playground site, and installing new playground equipment to foster the creativity and enrichment for the children in our care, explained Alex Turek, YMCA of Concord Executive Director. “This grant is going to have an impact on children of all ages for decades to come,” added Turek.
ARPA funds are required to be used to implement prevention and mitigation tactics to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus; and to address negative economic impacts the non-profit experienced resulting from the pandemic. In the greater Concord area, as in the entire state of NH, the need for affordable childcare has reached crisis proportions. Faced with long wait lists and high rates, low-income families are increasingly forced to reduce working hours or drop out of the workforce, further perpetuating the cycle of poverty. At the same time, young children are missing the opportunity for early education and academic enrichment. The YMCA of Concord’s Child Development Center provides accessible, high-quality childcare to hundreds of families and they remain committed to serving as many children and families as possible.
About The Granite YMCA
As one of the state’s longest standing and most enduring non-profits, The Granite YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and family strengthening. Across the state, its six branches engage 30,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to improve their health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2021, The Granite YMCA provided financial assistance and free services valued at just over $1.29 million to 10,868 individuals. To learn more, please visit www.graniteymca.org.
Other Recent Articles
Keeping Kids Engaged: YMCA's Winter Break Programs and Activities
Posted 10/16/2023
Winter break is a wonderful time for kids to unwind, enjoy the holiday spirit, and have fun with friends and family. However, as parents, you might also want to ensure that your children stay engaged in meaningful activities during this extended break from school. In this article, we will explore how the YMCA's winter break programs can benefit your child and provide you with peace of mind.
Holiday Wellness: How YMCA Can Help You Maintain Balance and Self-Care
Posted 10/02/2023
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and spending quality moments with loved ones. However, it can also be a period of increased stress, indulgent eating, and disrupted routines. Let’s explore how the YMCA can assist you in prioritizing self-care, health, and wellness for your family during the upcoming holiday season.
Five Easy Ways to Achieve Whole-Family Health & Well-Being
Posted 09/29/2023
October is Family Health Month, and The Granite YMCA is dedicated to supporting all families as they work to create healthier lifestyles for themselves and all of their loved ones. Check out these five easy ways you can create a healthier household today!
The Benefits of Joining the YMCA
Posted 09/22/2023
Joining the YMCA can have numerous benefits for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are looking to improve your physical health, mental well-being, or social connections, the YMCA has something to offer everyone.
