YMCA tells council it now serves about one-quarter of Delaware households; will operate before-and-after school care for Delaware City Schools

Representatives of the Delaware Community Center YMCA briefed Delaware City Council on April 14 about program growth, usage and plans to expand school services.

Roger Hanifin, district vice president of the YMCA of Central Ohio, told council the Delaware facility now counts more than 3,500 membership units and that the YMCA serves over 6,800 households — roughly 24'25% of city households, according to the presentation. "We have over 6,800 households who are being impacted by the YMCA. That's over 24 almost 25% of the city of Delaware," Hanifin said.

The presentation highlighted program activity: the YMCA recorded about 300,000 facility scans last year, opened a full-day summer camp that served about 800 campers, operates a swim team and youth sports leagues, and offers scholarship-funded access for members with financial need. Staffing and workforce development were also emphasized; the YMCA said it employs about 150 workers during the summer and operates many programs for teens and seniors.

Amy Mosser, associate executive director, said the YMCA will begin operating before-and-after school care in the Delaware City School District next school year; staff said registration will start April 26 and that the YMCA is holding information sessions for parents. "Our goal is for it to be as seamless as possible," Mosser said, adding the program will include membership benefits for each child and discounts for families.

Why it matters: The YMCA's outreach and program expansion affect youth services, recreation, and workforce development in the city. The school-age care contract means a private nonprofit will deliver an important child-care function for Delaware City Schools, a change from the status quo noted in council discussion.

Council members asked staff for details about program continuity and staff retention; YMCA leaders said they aim to retain existing employees and to provide training and continuity for children and families during the transition. The YMCA also described safety and abuse-prevention training for staff and partnerships with local first responders.

Ending: Council thanked YMCA leaders for the update and for expanding after-school services; staff and the YMCA will continue coordination with the school district and city departments.

Provenance: Transcript contains the YMCA presentation, statistics, the announcement about school care, and council questions (excerpted below).