Students from Glasgow and Barren County Schools enrolled in the YMCA's after school program now have a new space to call their own. Gage Wilson/Glasgow News 1
By GAGE WILSON
Glasgow News 1
After a little more than three months, students attending the Barren County Family YMCA’s after school program have a new space to learn, make friends, and run off some of their pent up energy before heading home.
The $3.5 million space, dubbed the “Empowering Youth Academy,” is a 6,700 square foot addition to the existing building. It is nearly twice as large as the space the children were occupying. This addition draws inspiration from a traditional school layout, with five classrooms to accommodate the 85 students enrolled currently in the program.
“It’s fantastic having our own space,” said Christina Cummins, co-director for childcare at the YMCA. “We’ve been looking forward to this since we knew we had gotten the grant.”
According to Angela Briggs, the finance development director for the YMCA, funds for the addition came from a collaboration with state Rep. Steve Riley, involved residents like Dr. Barrett Lessenberry, and state Sen. David Givens.
“Once passed through the House and Senate, Gov. [Andy] Beshear’s signature ensured the Barren County Family YMCA could expand to help further meet the needs of families in the area,” Briggs said.
“With this extra space, we would also be able to expand our licensing through the state to be able to take in more children,” said Tara Bailey, CEO of the Barren County YMCA. “Right now we are licensed for 140 children, so this addition is a huge benefit, not just to us and our campers, but also families in the community.”
The Barren County Family YMCA accepts students from both Glasgow and Barren County schools with most schools offering transportation to the YMCA. For more information about the after school program or other youth engagement programs, call 270-651-9622.
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