Newton YMCA awarded $40K grant for teen activity space

Newton YMCA has received a grant that will go toward teen services. The local organization announced in September that it was awarded a $40,000 grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa to fund furnishings, equipment and program supplies for the renovated teen activity space.

George Sorenson, chief executive officer of the Newton YMCA, said in a press release that the facility is incredibly grateful for the Variety Grant, which will enable the organization to transform its teen activity space into a vibrant hub where young people can thrive, connect and grow.

“This investment not only enriches their experience but also reinforces our commitment to supporting the youth in our community,” Sorenson said.

By funding the teen activity space at the local YMCA, staff are hopeful these new resources from Variety Iowa will create a welcoming and engaging environment for local youth to explore their interests, build skills and foster connections within the community. Newton YMCA has been active in the community for 150 years.

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill or living with special needs. Grant funding is provided to programs and iniatives that directly impact the well-being of children in Iowa communities.

Newton YMCA has been proactively trying to improve teen programming across the board for a number of years. Federal funding that had been earmarked for the YMCA fell through this year, but the facility remains committed to improving spaces for teens, which has been requested by the community for years.