Building Access to Y Summer Camps with McKinney-Vento - December 2024 Newsletter

Over the past two summers, the NJ YMCA State Alliance has partnered with the McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Programs in two NJ regions to connect youth experiencing homelessness and their families to local YMCAs for summer programming. In 2024, 72 eligible students in Bergen, Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren County enrolled in day camp, overnight camp, youth sports, swim lessons, and/or family memberships at no cost, with special focus on incorporating mental health support and academic enrichment.

As shared by McKinney-Vento Region I Director, Diahann De Ruggiero, from participating families: “‘Going to the YMCA changed my and my children's lives.’ This was a resounding statement from many of the McKinney-Vento families that participated in our collaboration with the YMCA. With so much loss as a result of their homelessness, having an anchor for their summer helped the children thrive, and the parents do more than just survive.”

The NJ YMCA State Alliance is honored to have worked with McKinney-Vento Regional Directors, school district liaisons, and local YMCAs to bridge connections with eligible families, and champion equitable access to quality out-of-school time experiences for NJ’s youth.