YMCA of Metro Atlanta Receives $1.3 Million DECAL Grant to Enhance Afterschool Program Facilities Funding from DECAL improves health and safety measures across 12 YMCA facilities and 38 Fulton and Gwinnett County elementary schools
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta today announced it received a $1.3 million Health and Safety Grant from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) to enhance afterschool program facilities, ensuring a safer environment for metro Atlanta youth. The Y used the funds to upgrade its afterschool programming facilities and partnered with Gwinnett and Fulton County Schools to improve select school sites where it offers afterschool programming.
“DECAL’s Health and Safety Grant allowed us to significantly enhance metro Atlanta students’ indoor and outdoor experiences by upgrading equipment and creating thoughtfully designed areas to promote physical health and safety,” said Lauren Koontz, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “The Y’s afterschool programs provide children with opportunities to learn and grow in a welcoming environment, and we’re grateful to DECAL for helping us improve facilities to better support students’ well-being.”
Through this grant, the Y was able to upgrade 12 YMCA of Metro Atlanta facilities, six Gwinnett County elementary schools and 32 Fulton County elementary schools. The improvements at these locations centered on acquiring essential equipment to ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations. Key upgrades include the installation of new playground structures, adaptive play areas, sunshades, walking tracks, ADA-accessible ramps, and more, enhancing accessibility and safety for all visitors.
“Fulton County Schools is incredibly grateful to the YMCA and Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning for their generous Health and Safety Grant,” said Mike Looney, Superintendent of Fulton County Schools. “This funding is a significant investment in our students’ well-being, allowing us to enhance the quality of afterschool programs at our elementary schools.”
YMCA of Metro Atlanta early learning locations and Fulton County and Gwinnett County Schools receiving improvements include:
YMCA of Metro Atlanta:
YMCA Barrow County Early Learning Center, YMCA Chattahoochee Early Learning Center, YMCA Dean Rusk Early Learning Center, YMCA Greene County Early Learning Center, YMCA Morgan County Early Learning Center and Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA Early Learning Center.
Fulton County Elementary Schools:
Barnwell, Findley Oaks, Ocee, Dunwoody Springs, High Point, Woodland, Birmingham, Medlock Bridge, New Prospect, Vickery Mill, Hillside, Lake Forest, Abbotts Hill, Hamilton Holmes, Hapeville, Northwood, Hembree Springs, Shakerag, Creekview, Dolvin, Summit Hill, River Eves, Sweet Apple, Cogburn Woods, Esther Jackson, Manning Oaks, Wilson Creek, Mimosa and Brookview Elementary Schools.
Gwinnett County Elementary Schools:
Cooper, Graves, Mulberry, Nesbit and Stripling Elementary Schools.
“We appreciate the support of strong partnerships with both DECAL and the YMCA of Metro Atlanta,” says Soraia Felgenhauer, GCPS Director of Community Schools. “The enhancements to our schools’ play spaces ensure that they are safe and welcoming for each and every student.”
All facility improvements began in 2023 and were completed by August 2024.
“Thanks to these grants, playgrounds have been transformed into safe, engaging spaces where young minds can explore, learn, and thrive,” said DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. “Afterschool programs are essential in fostering children’s growth, and these playground improvements are a key part of creating environments where they can flourish.”
For more information about the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and its Afterschool Programs, please visit https://ymcaatlanta.org/learning/afterschool.
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ABOUT THE YMCA OF METRO ATLANTA
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more than 165 years, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has been impacting lives and strengthening communities. By providing services and support networks, building bridges between people from all backgrounds and engaging stakeholders at various levels, the Y has maintained its relevance, helping to create stronger, more cohesive communities for all. https://ymcaatlanta.org/