The EnergyUnited Foundation recently donated $10,000 to the J. Smith Young YMCA in Lexington. The grant will be used to fund child care scholarships for individuals and families who are searching for affordable child care options while local schools continue to follow modified schedules and remote learning requirements.
Jen Fuller-Allen, Kelly Malone and Mark Smith of J. Smith Young YMCA accepted the $10,000 donation from the EnergyUnited Foundation.
“I’m amazed to see how much our communities have accomplished by pulling together to help those in need during the pandemic,” said Debra Citta, EnergyUnited Foundation Administrator. “The availability of affordable child care options will play an important role in our economic recovery efforts, so we are proud to support J. Smith Young YMCA with this initiative.”
The YMCA provides after school and summer camp child care for grade school children, sports programs for children and adults and a safe atmosphere for families to gather for fun and fellowship. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, more families are dependent on the YMCA’s services and resources.
“Due to the pandemic, many families are now struggling to find affordable child care options as they continue to deal with furloughs, layoffs or wage reductions while adapting to modified school schedules and remote learning requirements,” said Jen Fuller-Allen, Operations Director at J. Smith Young YMCA. “We are thankful to receive this donation from the EnergyUnited Foundation, as the donation will enable us to serve families at a time when our assistance, flexibility and community partnerships are needed most.”
The EnergyUnited Foundation is a voluntary, member-funded non-profit organization supported by EnergyUnited’s Operation Round-Up program. Over 70,000 EnergyUnited members choose to participate in the program by ‘rounding up’ their electric bills each month. Funds are awarded to support needy individuals, families, and essential nonprofit organizations that complete an application explaining the reason and purpose for their requested grant.