News from Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA

1 in 3 American mothers struggle to provide diapers for their babies
Babies in low-income households often spend an entire day in a single diaper
Inadequate diaper changing increases the risk of many health problems, from skin disease to hepatitis
A baby crying from being in a soiled diaper for prolonged periods of time may be at a greater risk for child abuse
Diapers are not covered by social service programs
A healthy change of diapers costs $100/month or more
Babies need 8-12 diapers a day and may spend 2.5 years in diapers needing about 12,000 diaper changes, costing over $3,000
Parents who can't afford to leave the required diaper supply at child care may have to quit work to care for their children.

If you'd like to increase the number of healthy changes, please drop off your donated diapers at the Y through July 31. Click here for details.

SPEND FAMILY TIME TOGETHER AT THE Y

These summer months are so busy, it's easy to find your family coming apart instead of coming together. When families do things together, like preparing meals or playing a game, they learn from each other and their relationships become stronger.

"The Y is dedicated to helping children and families become more healthy, connected and secure," says Julie Greene, Senior Director of Programming. "We encourage everyone to focus on their family relationships both at home and at the Y."

The Y focuses on the idea that children live better lives when their families are strong, and families are strong when they live in communities that connect them to economic opportunities, social networks and services. Every day, the R.F. Wilkinson Family YMCA works with York County and James City County schools and community leaders to create lasting personal change in the lives of families in the Williamsburg community.

The Y offers a variety of programs for families to learn, grow and spend time together, including family Zumba every Friday night, open family swim time, and monthly family fun nights.

So amidst the holidays and vacations and camps, remember to plan for family dinners or game nights, or designate some uninterrupted time together each week. Other simple tips for family time are available through the YMCA's Healthy Family Home, www.healthyfamilyhome.org.

For more information about membership or programs at the R.F. Wilkinson Family YMCA, please call 757-229-9622 or visit www.peninsulaymca.org/branches/rfwilkinson.

SUMMER FUN

SUMMER CAMP

Spaces are still available in our Summer Camp, but they're going fast! Set your kids up for a fun-filled summer by signing up at the Welcome Center.

For more information, click on the following link:

Summer Camp

SWIM LESSONS

The next 2-week session begins July 11th. Sign up now! For more information, click on the following link:

Swim Lessons

MAKE YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL CHILD CARE PLANS NOW!

Although summer has just begun, now is the time to plan for your before- and after-school child care needs for the 2011-2012 school year. The Y encourages parents looking for safe, educational and fun activities outside the classroom to take advantage of its before- and after-school program. Combining play with academics, our program fills gaps in schools and in the Williamsburg community by offering enrichment through arts, physcial education, sports and nutrition.

According to the Afterschool Alliance, 15.1 million children in the United States are left unsupervised after 3 p.m. In Virginia alone, 25% of children in grades K-12 are left alone -- responsible for taking care of themselves. Not only will you gain peace of mind from leaving your child in our care, but your child's participation in the program can have many lasting positive effects such as developing interpersonal and social skills, performing well academically, and developing habits that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement.

For more information, or to register your child for before- and after-school care, contact Julie Greene, Sr. Program Director, at 229-9622 or Julie.Highsmith@peninsulaymca.org.