The YMCA of Delaware hosted a press conference to announce new initiatives for its TAKE ON SUMMER program. The program offers youth, ages 12 – 18, who live in the State of Delaware, free summer memberships to access the Y’s fitness facilities/ swimming pools, and other activities at several YMCA locations.
“We launched TAKE ON SUMMER in 2015 as a pilot program at two of our locations and we are now expanding the program to all of our branches so more young people have the opportunity to be engaged with the Y,” said Deborah Bagatta-Bowles, Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Delaware. “Keeping young people engaged in a positive environment is critical for many reasons including preventing violence and influencing school success. We are very grateful to Attorney General Denn and Mayor Purzycki for their support and partnership with our TAKE ON SUMMER initiative.”
“A big part of addressing crime in our state is preventing it from occurring in the first place, and giving young people an alternative to going down the wrong path. That’s why I have been committed to get summer and after-school programs up and running, especially in Wilmington,” said Attorney General Denn.
“Many thanks to the YMCA of Delaware, its Board, its volunteers and staff for this generous extension of programming for our young people in Wilmington,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki.
Previous TAKE ON SUMMER participant, Kemuel Harding, was the star of the show as he shared his personal experiences at the Y.
Delaware Attorney General Matt Denn, Mayor of Wilmington Mike Purzycki, TAKE ON SUMMER participants Kemuel Harding and his brother Kassel, and the Y of Delaware CEO Deborah Bagatta-Bowles, stop to pose for a photo after the press conference.
