Town Agencies’ Childcare Task Force Establishes New After School Site at New Lebanon School

Last fall, Social Services Commissioner Allan Barry turned to Greenwich United Way Youth Services Coordinator, Jenny Byxbee, with the challenge of helping 30 K- 1st grade children and their families in need of immediate after-school care. In her capacity as liaison among local resources and the children they serve,Jenny was in the right spot to make the right connections. make the connections. Under the aegis of the Greenwich United Way and the Town, she facilitates communications and helps resolve matters that effect Greenwich’s youngest citizens. off the wit list and into the program.
After school care for children of working parents is a growing local issue that has been long identified in the United Way's Needs Assessments.  In this instance, various after school sites had slots available, but age constraints at some, transportation, and hour limitations presented obstacles.  Jenny convened a task force of representatives from the Boys and Girls Club, TAG, the YWCA, the YMCA, Department of Social Services, Silver Shield Association, New Lebanon School, and the United Way.The task force identified the specific problems, and mapped out a way to shift some youngsters among the after school sites. Everyone contributed something toward the solution in addition to their best thinking and the result was that each child on Dr. Barry's wait list were provided with after-school care.  
The After School Child Care Task Force meet throughout the year, working on anticipated needs for 2013-2014. It is delighted to report that the YMCA will pilot an After-School Child Care Site this fall at New Lebanon School.  For more information, please contact Dave Cohen at the YMCA of Greenwich Child Care Facility, dcohen@gwymca.org, 203-869-3381.  For more information on the Task Force, please contact Jenny Byxbee, Greenwich Youth Services Coordinator at 203-869-2221 or jbyxbee@unitedway-greenwich.com.