News Release: YMCA Expands After School Programs for 2025/2026 School Year to Support Families

EducationPress ReleaseCommunityGeneral News Article

As the new school year approaches, the YMCA of the Sandhills is expanding its trusted, affordable after school programs and rallying the community for a back-to-school supply drive to ensure local students start the year with the tools they need to succeed.
 
Beginning August 13 in Harnett County and August 25 in Cumberland County, the YMCA after school program will serve families at 16 elementary and middle schools. These programs support working families by providing a safe, enriching place for children to thrive after the school day ends—complete with transportation, homework help, STEM and creative arts activities, fitness, nutritious snacks and character-building fun.
 
“Quality, affordable child care is essential for working parents, and we’re proud to meet that need while helping kids stay active, engaged and supported after the school bell rings,” said Jeff Darling, President and CEO of the YMCA of the Sandhills. “We have worked diligently to partner with more schools locally for the new school year so that we can provide access to the Y’s after school care to more community members. Our state faces a critical child care shortage, and we’re here to support parents and kids after school,” Darling said.
 
Registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens July 22 online and additional information about schools served, registration fees and more is online at www.ymcaofthesandhills.org. Financial assistance is available through the Y’s Open Doors program to ensure every child can participate, regardless of family income.
School Supply Drives
 
The YMCA is also hosting a Back-to-School Supply Drive to help local students start the school year prepared and confident. The Y is seeking donations of pencils, crayons, notebooks, glue sticks and other supplies –all listed on the Y’s website.
 

  • July 28-August 7 at the Saleeby Family YMCA, 107 Carletta Cagle Dr., Cameron
  • August 1-14 at the Fayetteville YMCA at 2717 Fort Bragg Rd., Fayetteville
 
Community members are invited to donate supplies at the front desk at either YMCA during their drive dates. The supply drive at the Saleeby Family Y will support students at Johnsonville Elementary; the drive at the Fayetteville Y will support students at Ramsey Street Alternative  School.
 
To register for after school programs or to learn more about how to support the supply drives, visit www.ymcaofthesandhills.org or call 910-426-9622.
 
The YMCA of the Sandhills is a charitable nonprofit organization, founded on Christian principles and dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities through programs that develop a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The Sandhills YMCA has been serving our community since 1922.
 
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News Release: YMCA Expands After School Programs for 2025/2026 School Year to Support Families