Organization: Albert Lea Family Y

Projects: Day Camp, Youth Fund Drive, School Age Child Care

Report: The Albert Lea Family Y is using the Kenneth W. Olson funds for financial assistance to families in three specific program areas. The first area is this past summer for its Day Camp program. Forty percent of its campership was financial assistance/sliding fee. Many of the camperships were at 50 to 60 percent of actual cost. The normal rate for a member is $125 per week plus a $40 registration fee.

The second area is in its Youth Fund Drive, where the dollars are used for sliding-fee financial assistance. Youth and families are given scholarships of $25 to $35 per month to help cover their membership fees. These scholarships allow them to participate in Y programs at member rates and, in many cases, at a reduced program fee.

The third area is the School Age Child Care program. The Family Y currently has 10 children on scholarships of $17 per week. (One week cost is normally $34.) This assistance covers 25 weeks of service during the school year.

The use of these dollars ensures that no families are denied membership or access to programs due to inability to pay. The help of the Kenneth W. Olson Foundation is an invaluable asset to allow the Family Y to positively impact youth and families in the Freeborn County area.