YMCA PAL Is Meeting Real Needs in Our Community

Despite the appearance of affluence in our area, the needs of many kids and families are very real. In the Borough of West Chester, 16% of children, ages five to 15, live below the poverty line and are at risk for juvenile delinquency, school drop-out and low academic achievement. The United Way has determined that youth who are engaged in constructive activities during non-school hours improve youth’s opportunities for success in school and in life.

The YMCA PAL program is focused on improving the lives and futures of children in need by providing safe, supervised quality care for ages five to 15. YPAL provides free after school care, five days a week, and a daily afternoon camp program during the summer for $10 per week. YPAL also provides a free, safe and fun full-day program on days off from school.

YMCA PAL provides these critically-needed services at no cost for families in need, most of which live in public or low-income housing with median household incomes of less than $37,000 per year. Most YPAL participants live in households run by a single mother who is referred to the program by school caseworkers, domestic abuse shelters or police officers.

Providing Kids with Important Opportunities

Families in need do not have the financial resources to provide their children with the after school and out of school care they need. YPAL fills that need by providing at-risk kids with important educational, social and recreational activities. Staff and volunteers encourage academic achievement & appropriate use of computers. Staff also encourages personal development and appropriate social behavior through positive role modeling and leadership opportunities. Kids in the program also have the opportunity to enjoy physical and recreational activities including swimming, gym games and sports on the YMCA’s indoor turf field. Plus, kids can choose to participate in Boy Scouts, enroll in YMCA after school gymnastics, dance and youth sports programs. Summer camp includes the same social, educational and recreational components and includes a weekly field trip and swimming. West Chester police officers regularly visit the program to develop positive relationships and have an open dialogue with the YPAL kids.ent, provide homework help and mentoring, and oversee

A Home at the YMCA Youth Program Center

In October 2009, YPAL moved to its permanent home in the renovated YMCA Youth Program Center on Chestnut Street. Forty-five children were enrolled in the program when it moved to the Youth Program Center and enrollment has continued to grow. As of February 2010, 78 youth were enrolled, with more than 60 attending the program everyday. Nearly 25% of YPAL participants are middle and high school students who participate in activities designed to encourage leadership development. With staff guidance, older youth assist younger children with homework and recreational activities.

Register Today for West Chester Area
YMCA PAL Programs!
The PAL program is focused on
academics and includes:

• Tutoring
• Homework help
• Mentoring Program with WCU students
• Arts & Crafts
• Games
• Use of the YMCA Gym
• YMCA pool time weekly
• Prizes for good behavior, participation,
  and homework

For more information about the West Chester Area YMCA PAL Program or to volunteer, please call 610-696-9622.