Bangor YMCA receives $2,500 check from Bangor Savings Bank Foundation for Learning Centers

Thursday, September 29th, 2016

The Bangor YMCA is honored to receive $2,500 from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation to be used to purchase Learning Centers in their Discovery Friends Early Childhood Education program.

“With this grant, we can focus on STEAM education: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and the Arts with our 2.5 to 5 year olds,” says Beth Cassidy, Early Childhood Education Manager. “The older kids in our Y-Works After School program are already using this curriculum and to be able to introduce this to our little ones will help them excel in school, even at a young age. Research shows that kids in Pre-K who have participated in STEAM do better in their educational careers.”

“Bangor Savings Bank has been a wonderful supporter of our Y,” says Diane Dickerson, CEO. “They understand how important our youth are to our community and how critical these early years are for them to succeed in school. We are so grateful to the Bangor Saving Bank Foundation for this gift.”

Danielle Ahern and Rick Fournier of Bangor Savings Bank presented the check on September 29th to a room full of 2.5 to 5 year old children. Not only were the kids ecstatic about this new gift, but were thrilled with the balloons that Danielle and Rick gave to each of them. Ahern stated, “Bangor Savings Bank and the Y have a century old partnership and we know the impact the Y has in our community. Our values are aligned, with both organizations wanting to do everything in our power to make our community and the people who live here stronger, more successful, and inspired. It starts with our little ones, and that is why Bangor Savings Bank is thrilled to be able to offer this gift to the children of the Y.”

The Bangor YMCA Discovery Friends Early Childhood Education program serves kids ages 2.5 to 5 years old, partnering with parents and guardians to help each child learn, grow, and thrive, while preparing them for their first years in elementary school. The program offers full-time and part-time care and provides children enrolled in this program swim lessons to make sure as many children in our community learn how to swim and learn about water safety.

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