School is back in and so is the YMCA Youth Development Center's Afterschool program. In this program, kindergarteners through 6th graders can participate in crafts and activities designed to curate learning in a fun and safe environment.
The YMCA has a strong vision for how to promote happy and healthy living in youth, and this vision is exemplified in a quote from the YMCA of Klamath Falls Handbook for Afterschool:
"The YMCA childcare program promotes cognitive, emotional, physical, and social growth for preschoolers and school-age children. We adhere to the concept of developing the whole child with our play-based curriculum that is infused with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), music, fine motor skills, and physical fitness."
As part of the afterschool program, kids take part in daily homework time, USDA-approved snack time, and swimming. The Youth Development Center also offers childcare on school-release days. On these days, the kids participate in clubs which include science, game room, dance, and active time. These programs are designed to provide kids with being cared for in a fun and educational environment.
The Youth Development Center is also host to the YMCA Preschool program, Preschool Promise program, and summer camp for school-aged kids. The Youth Development Center provides a safe place for kids in our community to learn and grow in a safe and healthy environment. Jessica Williams, the Childcare Director of the YMCA of Klamath Falls, shares this heart for our community's youth.
Meet the Afterschool Director — Surilma Mendez
The afterschool program is under the direction of Surilma Mendez, who hails from Las Vegas. Suri and her husband Juan moved here to trade the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas for a "calmer, loving community" in which to raise their kids.
When asked what her favorite thing about our Y is, she answered, "I love the ability to care for our community's youth. Cooking for people is my first passion, so making sure our youth are well fed and cared for is very important to me."
"Coming from Las Vegas and not just seeing… but feeling the difference in the community just made me feel right at home. Even though I am new to Klamath Falls YMCA, I already fell in love with this tight-knitted community. A community that feels like family and not just 'work.' That is why I love the YMCA of Klamath Falls, OR."
In addition to overseeing the childcare programs, Jessica makes sure the kids of the Youth Development Center are well fed by curating the monthly menu and assuring it meets USDA guidelines for breakfast, lunch, and snack.
When she's not running the afterschool program, she enjoys doing acrylic nails and puzzles. She also loves living in a place where nature is so accessible and enjoys hunting and fishing.
Interested in learning more about the YMCA's Afterschool program or other programs at the Youth Development Center? Contact our Childcare Director, Jessica Williams, at jessica.williams@kfallsymca.org with questions.