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 5 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 focuses on improving the lives and futures of children in need by providing safe, supervised quality care for ages 5 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. YPAL is led by YMCA staff and community volunteers and provides kids with mentoring, tutoring, homework help, healthy fun and games, gym sports and swimming at the YMCA.
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.
Register Today for West Chester Area YMCA PAL Programs!
The PAL program focuses on academics and includes:
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Tutoring
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Homework help
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Mentoring program with WCU students
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Arts & crafts
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Games
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Use of the YMCA gym
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YMCA pool time weekly
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Prizes for good behavior, participation, and homework