A nationwide observance of afterschool programs is also being held Thursday evening at the YMCA of the Northwoods.
"Lights On After School" is held each year across the country. Many young people go home to an empty house with parents working.
YMCA of the Northwoods School Age Child Care Director Abbie Cline talks about the effort...q-children's
"...It's part of Life's On After School which is a nationwide celebration of after school programs. We're one of more than 8,000 sites across the nation hoping to send a message that after school is key to children's success...."
She says they've invited their families to the event at the YMCA to eat and relax at the "Y". She says finding a secure place for afterschool youth is important..
"...The whole goal is to keep the lights on and the doors open in afterschool programs, so the kids have safe and secure places to go after school is out when families have to work. So they grow into strong, confident adults..."
Cline says they have before and after school programs. She says their programs are designed for young people to make healthy choices. The program offers food and exercise and a number of activities for the young people to choose. She says the program allows them to enhance their academic work in real life situations.
More information is available at the YMCA of the Northwoods.
