24 May YMCA of Greater Kansas City Receives $69,465 from the GKCCF, Jackson County Community Children’s Services Fund
YMCA of Greater Kansas City recently received a grant for $69,465 from the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, Jackson County Community Children’s Services Fund to add a critical staff position to directly support the children and families enrolled in Y Club with mental health services during the afterschool program, and equip Y Club staff with critical knowledge and skills for managing behaviors to improve overall program impact.
Funding from the Jackson County Community Children’s Services Fund will add a Behavioral Specialist (BS) position to the Center School District Y Club team to provide services and support for students and families enrolled at the Indian Creek and Red Bridge Elementary Y Clubs.
A growing number of children enrolled in Y Club are in need of mental health services and support. Children referred to Y Club by the district who are academically “at-risk” for reasons that also impact behaviors, such as their experiences with poverty, trauma, and other social determinants would all benefit from ISPs. Staff spend an increasing amount of time mitigating crises and situations due to challenging and aggressive behaviors. Y Club Staff need to respond to the number of youth enrolled that have a diagnosis, or that exhibit behaviors that require additional mental health services. The BS will become a Trainer of Trainers in Crisis Prevention Institute. The BS will also explore and evaluate other national, state, and local trauma informed service provision models.
Founded in 1860 as the seventh Y in North America, the Kansas City Y’s mission evolves to meet the needs of the community. Over the last 25 years, the Y has grown to one of the largest providers of childcare in region, providing Y Club before/afterschool programs at more than 90 school sites across eleven school districts. Y Club is run by the Youth Development Services (YDS) division. The key developmental focus areas of Y Club are: social skills, academic engagement, and healthy living.