FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:

Ernest Lamour Chief Executive Officer Stamford Family YMCA (203) 357-7000 ext. 125 ernest@stamfordymca.org

FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS $15,000

COMPETITIVE GRANT FOR THE STAMFORD FAMILY YMCA

Grant is to support the LEAD Academy After School Program

STAMFORD, CT (January 14, 2014) – The Stamford Family YMCA announced today a $15,000 grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation to support the YMCA’s LEAD Academy (leadership, encouragement, acceptance, development) after-school program for Youth. This is the second time that the Y has been awarded a grant by the Fairfield County Community Foundation. Providing youth with opportunities to continue to learn and engage in meaningful activities at the end of the school day can boost their academic success. To help motivate and inspire kids to learn, the Stamford Family YMCA offers the LEAD Academy afterschool program to school-aged children throughout the Stamford community. The Y’s afterschool program combines academics with play and offers a caring and safe environment for youth who would otherwise be left unsupervised. During the school year, 15.1 million U.S. children are left unsupervised after 3 p.m., according to the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization. In Connecticut, 28 percent of children are left alone and responsible for taking care of themselves.* The Stamford Family YMCA strongly encourages parents/caregivers to make sure that children are involved in safe, educational experiences after school. “The combination of enrichment and extended learning opportunities is essential to increasing children’s success in school,” said Ernest Lamour, Chief Executive Officer. “YMCA afterschool programs promote a love for learning, social and emotional development, healthy choices, character and creativity, and provide children with an extra support system through positive role models to help them achieve and reach their full potential.” Studies show participation in afterschool programs helps boost school attendance and academic performance and reduces gaps in academic achievement among children from disadvantaged households. In the LEAD Academy afterschool program, homework assistance is aimed at strengthening basic math and reading skills, each child learns how to swim, and children are taken

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through a 12 week program called KIDS’ FANS (Fitness and Nutrition Services), a program offered in partnership with Stamford hospital that promotes the preventative health message of 5-2-1-0: For each day, 5 fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity, and 1 to almost no sugar-sweetened beverages. Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y. For more information about the Stamford Family YMCA’s LEAD Academy afterschool program, please contact Tiffany Wilson, Youth & Family Director, at (203) 357-7000 ext. 117, tiffany@stamfordymca.org or visit www.stamfordymca.org.

### About the Stamford Family YMCA The Stamford Y is a community service, nonprofit organization committed to programs that strengthen the sprit, mind & body for all. It’s impact promise: provide the skills and direction needed for our residents, especially youth, to lead healthy, socially responsible lives. Currently serving 5,192 community members, the Y provides a variety of programs and services with the goal of helping members learn to incorporate healthy eating, exercise, and self-care as part of a daily routine. Youth programs include fitness, nutrition and sports classes, swimming, after-school and summer camp provided in close cooperation with the Stamford Public Schools. Adult offerings include a variety of aquatic classes geared for seniors and disabled individuals, sports teams, individual and group fitness classes, personal training and lifestyle assessment. All services offered provide a focus on healthy living under the umbrella of the mY Healthy Life program

For more information, visit www.stamfordymca.org About Fairfield County Community Foundation The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds and contribute to existing funds. The Foundation provides philanthropic advisory services, and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues. It is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards for community foundations. The Foundation has awarded over $168 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org