YWCA after-school program finds new home
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

When one door closes, another door opens.

Bev Thomas recently learned that the words in the well-known quote read true.

Thomas, the director of children's services for the YWCA of Western New York, found the organization's after-school program without a home after the Williamsville Central School District decided to use another organization for its after-school programming.

So she went in search of a new facility to house the YWCA program that has been serving the Williamsville community for 18 years.

What she found was a place she describes as perfect.

"Temple Beth Am is a great, large space that is like a dream to us," she said about using a wing of the building at 4660 Sheridan Drive. "I am so excited. The space is marvelous."

In her search for a new location, Thomas met with representatives from Temple Beth Am and upon touring the space she knew she had found the program's new home.

There is a library with a media center, classrooms for arts and crafts, snacks and educational programs, an outdoor playground and a general area. The building also has room for growth should the YWCA need additional space.

Leasing from Temple Beth Am, the YWCA will hold an after-school program coinciding with the public school calendar. Busing from the Williamsville schools will be provided to the new location.

"Parents said they wanted us to stay in the area. There was hardly a hiccup," she said about adjusting to the news that the YWCA would no longer serve the Williamsville schools.

Programming will begin on the first day of school and is open to children ages 5-12. The site has room for 147 children.

An open house has been planned from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1 at Temple Beth Am, 4660 Sheridan Drive.

Site Director Derek Wright has a background in education with a concentration in science, which he plans to incorporate into activities.

Thomas said the YWCA's focus has also been on equality between religions, races and genders. The program will provide homework help and focus on reading and confidence building, as well as music, dance, sports activities and lessons in various subjects.

For information on YWCA's new after school program, call 852-6120 or send an e-mail to dbassham@ywca-wny.org.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com