Eugene YMCA awarded grants to support low income families, child development

The U.S. Bank Foundation and Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation awarded a combined $15,000 to support the Eugene Family YMCA.

The grant will support the expansion of after-school child care programs to under-served regions of Lane County -- specifically South Lane and Bethel school districts.

"High-quality child care programs in rural areas are vital to strengthening the social fabric of our communities," said Carma Mornarich, executive director of Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation.

Studies show children involved in after-school enrichment programs increase their academic performance by nearly 20% and have fewer absences while growing academic achievement.

U.S. Bank Foundation and Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation's grants of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, will allow for expansion in school districts that serve significant numbers of low income families.

"We are so grateful to U.S. Bank Foundation and Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation for recognizing that the Y's child care fills a critical need for families," said Danielle Uhlhorn, the Eugene Family YMCA chief development officer.

In the fall of 2019, the Y expanded to Harrison Elementary School in Cottage Grove, where 66% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. In early 2020, three more Cottage Grove schools were invited to attend after-school care at Harrison with transportation provided by the South Lane School District.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation grant specifically supports the programs in Cottage Grove, considered a high poverty hotspot, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

U.S. Bank Foundation's grant will support expansion into both South Lane and Bethel school districts. The Bethel area holds several schools that show up to 86% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch.

"We expect Y child care providers to help children form positive peer relationships, complete their academic work, engage children in physical activity and support families," said Brian Steffen, CEO of the Eugene Family YMCA.

"This funding will help us recruit staff equipped to carry out the mission."

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