Proud GRANT Recipient
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been selected as just one of six YMCAs in Indiana to be a proud recipient of the Early Years Initiative grant from Early Learning Indiana! We will receive $331,100 in funding to enhance our quality care at our Early Learning Center (ELC). These funds will allow for a comprehensive equity-focused infant/toddler (children 0-3) development program that will include health and development screenings & interventions, pediatric care support from community providers, caregiver professional development, a full-time infant/toddler specialist, and a seamless changeover into the Pre-K Kindergarten Transition Program. By offering multi-tiered, professional resources to families, the Y aims to alleviate challenges that may arise. This proactive rather than reactive approach is designed around implementing early developmental screenings with individual care plans to ensure continuity. Additionally, through this grant, the Y will be able to reduce or eliminate associated costs in alignment with the general YMCA model of serving people regardless of their ability to pay.
Congratulations to another recipient in Howard County: Family Service Association.
“We are incredibly excited about this investment in our community. “This program will provide an unprecedented level of support for not only the children, but for the parents themselves through built-in, ongoing developmental screenings with Dr. Dana Stewart, community partnerships with local healthcare providers, and a variety of mission-driven programs here at the Y.”
Trish Severns, CEO
Learn, Grow and Thrive
The Y’s Early Learning Center operates in partnership with the generosity of Ascension Health and will provide high-quality and evidence-based strategies to meet families where they are. By offering multi-tiered, professional resources to families, the Y aims to alleviate challenges that may arise. This proactive rather than reactive approach is designed around implementing early developmental screenings with individual care plans to ensure continuity. Additionally, through this grant, the Y will be able to reduce or eliminate associated costs in alignment with the general YMCA model of serving people regardless of their ability to pay.
The Early Years Initiative places special emphasis on serving families in low-income households. Both the Y and FSA are committed to reaching out to and making a meaningful impact on the lives of families in Howard County.
This funding empowers us to continue to provide high quality, affordable early education, while adding a crucial health component so all children and families can learn, grow and thrive. Thanks to this generous grant, we are ensuring a brighter future for our little ones.
