Organization: Albert Lea Family Y

Project: Day camps, youth fund drive and school age child care program

Report: The Albert Lea Family Y used the Kenneth W. Olson funds received for financial assistance to families in three specific program areas. The first area was in the summer for their day camp program.

Forty-five percent of their campership fee is a financial assistance/sliding fee. Many of the camperships are 50 percent of the actual cost. The normal rate for a member is $130 per week plus a $40 registration fee. Financial assistance in this area totalled $6,250.

The second area in which funding was utilized was in their youth fund drive where the funds were used to provide sliding fee financial assistance. Youth and families were given scholarships of $25 to $35 per month to help cover their membership fees. Over 75 youth had access to this funding. A total of $5,000 was used toward the scholarships which allowed youths to participate in Y programs at member rates and, in many cases, at a reduced program fee.

The third area was the school age child care program. The Y currently has 10 children on scholarships of $17 per week. The cost for one week is normally $34. The assistance totals over $3,750 and covers 25 weeks of service for recipients during the school year.

The use of these dollars allows the Y to ensure that no families are denied membership or access to programs due to inability to pay. The help of the Kenneth W. Olson Foundation is a valuable asset which assists the Y in positively impacting youth and families in the Freeborn County area.