Afterschool Appreciation at the YMCA!

Greater Kingsport Family YMCA Celebrates Afterschool Professionals who make a profound difference in young people’s lives.

The Greater Kingsport YMCA is celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April-24-28, along with the National Afterschool Association to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out of school hours.

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation week is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with kids during out of school hours. The week is marked by celebrations, public relations, and advocacy efforts encouraging appreciation and support for afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of kids.

“Research shows that afterschool professionals make a profound difference in the lives of our youth,” said VP of Child Development Rhonda Helton. “We encourage everyone to join us this week in thanking the afterschool professionals at our YMCA and the community.”

An estimated 10.2 million children participate in afterschool programs each year, and for every child in an afterschool program, two more are waiting to get in. Every young person deserves quality afterschool experiences that positively impact their development. It takes skilled professionals, like the ones working for the Greater Kingsport Family YMCA, to create these experiences. Because of the important role afterschool professionals play in the lives of kids, they deserve recognition and support!

In 2022 the 110 Afterschool employees for the Greater Kingsport Family YMCA provided a caring, safe and supportive environment to 746 kids across three different school districts. Staff provide weekly art, STEM and Social Emotional Learning programs, homework help and more to our Afterschool sites daily.

“Our staff is the backbone of this program and one of the main reasons our parents continue to trust us to care for their kids.” Rhonda continued to say. “We are grateful for their commitment to enriching the lives of these students and are proud of their continued hard work.”

Rhonda Helton has served the YMCA for over 35 years and was crucial in building the Afterschool and Summer Camp programs to what it is today. Rhonda got her start at the YMCA after graduating college and a conversation with a friend. As the program grew, so did Rhonda and her responsibilities. As the Vice President, she provides resources and opportunities for kids to learn and grow. Rhonda will retire in May of 2023.

“Without Rhonda working all those years, I am not sure what the program would look like today.” Said co-worker and long-time friend Sarah Anne Walker. “She has inspired so many kids and adults throughout her years of service at the YMCA and I think I speak for all Afterschool staff when I say that she is one of a kind.”