FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
JCPenney Afterschool Fund Awards $3.6 Million to Help YMCAs Nationwide Reach More Youth During Afterschool Hours
J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc. to provide gift cards for financial aid recipients
CHICAGO, March 22, 2007—YMCA of the USA announced today a grant totaling more than $3.6 million has been awarded by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund to help YMCAs across the country serve more children in safe, enriching afterschool programs.
The grant is specifically targeted to help YMCAs provide financial assistance to youth who are not currently participating in an afterschool program because their families lack the necessary financial resources, or to youth who are currently participating in a program, but are at risk of leaving due to lack of funds. In late spring, YMCAs will be able to apply for a portion of the funds, to be allocated locally toward afterschool financial assistance for the 2007-2008 academic year.
“The JCPenney Afterschool Fund is firmly committed to supporting local YMCAs and other organizations that are dedicated to keeping America’s children safe and constructively engaged during the afterschool hours,” said Robin M. Caldwell, President of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. “Children are our greatest asset, and by combining resources we can help reduce the number of unserved youth, ensuring that students of all backgrounds and income levels are able to benefit from afterschool programs.”
Complementing JCPenney Afterschool Fund’s financial aid grant is a separate gift to YMCA of the USA from the J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc. A total of 6,130 gift cards worth $50 each will be given to children receiving financial assistance from the JCPenney Afterschool Fund grant to help with the purchase of school clothing and supplies. In total, gifts from both entities exceed $3.9 million.
“The YMCA is grateful for the generous support of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund and the J. C. Penney Corporation as we strive to serve as many children as possible with high-quality afterschool programming,” said Neil Nicoll, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. “Studies show that between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day youth are at greater risk of involvement in crime, drug abuse and other destructive behaviors. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund and J. C. Penney Corporation share the YMCA’s commitment to provide safe, meaningful programs during these crucial hours that not only keep children safe but also help provide lasting benefits including healthier lifestyles, improved social skills and enhanced academic performance.”
Today with nearly 10,000 afterschool programs across the country, the nation’s YMCAs are a leading resource for parents looking to find meaningful and fun afternoon activities for their children. Most YMCA afterschool programs include elements that promote health and well-being, social skill development, emotional development, artistry, character development, sports and service-learning.
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ABOUT THE JCPENNEY AFTERSCHOOL FUND: The JCPenney Afterschool Fund is a charitable organization committed to providing children with access to high-quality afterschool programs. The Fund’s contributions allow for the continuance and growth of afterschool programs aimed at the academic, physical and social development of children throughout the U.S. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund also works to raise awareness of the benefits of afterschool programming, and is committed to ensuring that every child has access to the world of opportunities that awaits them after school. For more information, visit www.jcpenneyafterschool.org.
ABOUT J. C. PENNEY CORPORATION, INC.: J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc., the wholly owned operating subsidiary of J. C. Penney Company, Inc., is one of America's largest department store, catalog, and e-commerce retailers, employing approximately 155,000 associates. As of Feb. 3, 2007, J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc. operated 1,033 JCPenney department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. JCPenney is the nation's largest catalog merchant of general merchandise, and jcp.com is one of the largest apparel and home furnishings sites on the Internet.
ABOUT THE YMCA: The nation’s 2,663 YMCAs serve more than 20.2 million people each year, including 9.5 million youth under age 18, uniting men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs are a place for people to belong, serving America’s children, families and communities for 155 years by “building healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” Visit www.ymca.net.
For more information, please contact:
Diane Hurles
Donor Relations Manager
YMCA of the USA
(312) 419-8325
diane.hurles@ymca.net
Julie Berkhouse
Vice President
JCPenney Afterschool Fund
972-431-4183
jberkhou@jcpenney.com