Wisconsin Youth Co. Welcomes Focus on Children in City, County Budgets
New proposed budgets provide more resources, support to neighborhood centers
Madison, Wisconsin (Oct. 3, 2019) — Wisconsin Youth Company is encouraged by the recently announced City of Madison and Dane County proposed budgets as they recognize the importance of neighborhood centers in the community. Wisconsin Youth Co. operates Elver Park Neighborhood Center and Theresa Terrace Neighborhood Center, both located on Madison’s west side.
Community and neighborhood centers make a positive impact on children, families, community leaders and businesses in its communities. The new $500,000 grant from the county to focus on childhood trauma will make a lasting positive impact in the Madison community. Additionally, the newly announced funding for the city’s 15 neighborhood centers will allow those centers to continue their outreach abilities and services.
“It is great to hear from both Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Dane County Executive Joe Parisi about the importance of neighborhood centers, and the added focus on these centers in their budgets,” says Rebecca Carlin, executive director, Wisconsin Youth Co. “This comes at a perfect time because we are highlighting the importance of after school programming throughout the month of October during our Lights on Afterschool campaign. Children, families and communities thrive when they have neighborhood resources such as these centers.”
Students who regularly attend after school programs have lower reports of misconduct, reduced use of drugs and alcohol, and have increased attendance and engagement in school, according to the Outcomes Linked to High-Quality Afterschool Programs study.
“Neighborhood centers are an integral part of the community and it’s exciting to see the new city and county budgets include a focus on these centers,” says Jennifer Weber, director of Elver Park and Theresa Terrace Neighborhood Centers. “With the city and county both behind what we do, and our families, we can make an even bigger positive impact on people’s lives.”
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About Wisconsin Youth Company
Wisconsin Youth Company is a non-profit organization providing care and enrichment programs for school age children since 1974. This includes before and after school programs, and summer camps throughout Dane and Waukesha Counties. Wisconsin Youth Co. operates the Elver Park and Theresa Terrace Neighborhood Centers to serve the Elver Park and Theresa/Hammersley neighborhoods. Wisconsin Youth Company — where kids thrive beyond the school day!
Media contact: Maureen Alley
Communications Director
Direct: 608.210.1656
Cell: 608.513.3962
malley@wisconsinyouthcompany.org
