The Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads joined over 100 other school community partners on Saturday, February 22 at the 3rd Annual Virginia Beach Schools Partnership Expo. Open to parents and community members, the expo is a place to learn about businesses and organizations working with Virginia Beach students. The event takes place at Landstown High School.
Shelton Park Elementary School invited the Armed Services YMCA to attend and present at the Expo based on their experience with the Operation Hero program."We're so grateful for our relationship with Shelton Park Elementary School (SPES). We're able to reach such a deserving population through this partnership." said Laura Roberts, Youth Enrichment Program Director. According to Tara Brewer, SPES Principal, 85% of their students come from base housing. Operation Hero, a ten-week after school enrichment program designed for military children and the unique challenges they face, is currently running programs in two schools in Virginia Beach.
"Orders come and [military kids] have to pack up and move and make friends in a new environment..." Brewer states. "Operation Hero helps bridge that gap." The ability of Operation Hero to reach kids who need it most relies on partnerships with elementary schools to provide physical space and identify potential participants. In addition to Shelton Park Elementary School, Op Hero is currently running programs at Corporate Landing ES, Deep Creek, Creekside and General Stanford with plans for expansion this spring with sessions that begin March 23.
Thanks to a generous donation from 4Imprint, we were able to spread the word about our programs in a super fun way. Color-changing pencils and lip balm are always a big hit with our elementary school friends!
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Posted March 5, 2020
ABOUT ARMED SERVICES YMCA:
The Armed Services YMCA is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit that serves currently serving military members and their families. In 2019, we engaged more than 250,000 participants and delivered more than 1.3 million points of service to junior enlisted Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen and family members at 200 service centers in 18 states. Whether providing respite child care for parents in need, summer camps for kids, or assisting with emergency needs, the Armed Services YMCA is a nonprofit with a mission: Strengthening Our Military Family®. Visit our website to see how you can join us in supporting military families.
