MUKILTEO, Wash., April 6, 2023—The Mukilteo Family YMCA is partnering with Connect Casino Road to provide free transportation to the Y for teens (age 14+) so they can easily access the facility and its amenities, programs, and activities.
“We’re excited to provide an opportunity for more kids to come and experience the Y,” said Cynthia Kelly, Executive Director, Mukilteo Family YMCA. “By providing transportation, we’re reducing barriers and making it easier for kids to get to a safe, supervised space where they can have fun and be a kid.”
Beginning Tuesday, April 25, teens can visit the Y every week from 4 – 6 pm. Participants will be picked up and dropped off at the Village on Casino Road (14 E. Casino Road, Everett, WA 98208). At the Y, teens will have access to basketball open gym, the skate park, the Youth Development Center (YDC), and the cardio/fitness room (after completing a training).
“Teens in our neighborhood primarily live in apartments with no backyards to play and many lack access to programs,” said Alvaro Guillen, Director, Connect Casino Road. “Families tell us that their children need a safe place to go after school to have fun, socialize, and exercise. This partnership provides transportation so they can access amenities and programs at the Mukilteo Y.”
Transportation is free for participants, but registration is required since space is limited. Participants will need a teen membership which Connect Casino Road will provide, if needed. Teens can sign up on a week-by-week basis and can come once or register to attend every Tuesday. The program runs through the end of the school year.
“This program breaks barriers such as safe transportation, cost and hours of operations that often don’t meet parents needs due to work schedules and other challenges our teens face,” said Guillen. “We know this program will benefit the historically underserved and marginalized Casino Road community and have positive physical and mental health benefits for our teens.”
The program is starting with one bus, but the ultimate goal is to provide multiple buses so more kids can have access to the Y after school.
“The Y has so much to offer and we love that we can help fill a need in the community,” said Kelly. “Our ultimate goal is achievement, belonging, and community for all and we’re thrilled we can provide that opportunity for more teens in our area.”
To register for the program, please visit: http://bit.ly/4122Qrm.
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Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
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