FORT WAYNE, Ind., Sept. 15, 2022 – With generosity from the AEP Foundation, the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne is enriching the lives of more than 1,300 students returning to school through before- and after-school programs that include STEM education and character development.
The AEP Foundation, on the recommendation of Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), awarded a $250,000, three-year grant to support the YMCA Before- and After-School Enrichment Programs and Summer Day Camps.
The program provides education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) as well as reading and other academics. The Enrichment Programs also offer nature exploration, the arts, health and wellness, character development, physical activities and more. In addition, healthy snacks or meals are provided daily.
Through the programs, the YMCA staff helps youths develop values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors and provide a solid foundation for success in school and life.
The AEP Foundation grant is providing financial assistance to make the Y available for all students throughout Allen County to participate in after-school programs and summer day camps.
“We believe in the importance of strong families. Quality childcare in summer day camp and afterschool programs is one way we can support parents and students to reach their full potential,” stated Marty Pastura, interim president and CEO for the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne. “We are grateful to the AEP Foundation whose support makes YMCA childcare programs accessible to all families by removing financial barriers,” he added.
The grant was announced Thursday at Holland Elementary School.
“The YMCA, the AEP Foundation and I&M share an emphasis on supporting education as well as helping students develop social, behavioral and academic success skills,” said Dave Lucas, I&M vice president for Regulatory and Finance and a member of the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne board of directors. “The AEP Foundation and I&M are pleased to provide support that enables more youth to have a safe, enriching experience after the school day concludes and during the summer.”
This video offers more information about the benefits of the YMCA program and the importance of the AEP Foundation grant.
ABOUT THE YMCA OF GREATER FORT WAYNE: The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. For over 160 years, the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne has been committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility serving more than 144,000 people annually across Allen, Wells, and Whitley counties through eight membership facilities, as well as three youth serving branches, YMCA Youth Service Bureau, YMCA Child Care Services and YMCA Camp Potawotami. To learn more about the Y please visit www.fwymca.org or email HereForYou@fwymca.org.
ABOUT THE AEP FOUNDATION: The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power and its operating subsidiaries. The Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s 11-state service area.
The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger. Our Social and Racial Justice grant program, Delivering On the Dream, is for organizations whose mission and/or programming is committed to positive social and racial justice outcomes. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, promote healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.
ABOUT INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER: Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,100 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 80% of its energy delivered in 2021 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states, nearly 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states, and 2,620 MW of coal-fueled generation in Indiana.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Nicole Hansen Tracy Warner
Director of Mission Advancement Corporate Communications Manager
YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne Indiana Michigan Power
260-918-2144 260-479-9484
nicole_hansen@fwymca.org tkwarner@aep.com