Preschool Program Lunch Provided Through Church Collaboration

Rahway, NJ, March 19, 2014 --(PR.com)-- With a little help from the community, The Gateway Family YMCA provides Early Learning Readiness (ELR) programs in both Elizabeth and Rahway. ELR is a free program, open to the community supporting school readiness for preschool age children and their caregivers.

The Rahway Branch ELR program meets at the First Presbyterian Church, 1721 Church Street, Rahway. On Tuesday, February 25 at 11:30 am, the Church staff provided a complimentary lunch for all of the ELR families. Provided was chicken, macaroni and cheese, vegetable platter, fruit salad, juice and water. The church has also offered to have an “End of ELR School Year” picnic in June. The ELR program is on a school-year calendar and will end in June. “This has been a great collaboration that we will want to continue for the 2014-15 school year as well,” stated Mike Johnson, Director of Association Initiatives – The Gateway Family YMCA.

The Gateway Family YMCA’s Early Learning Readiness Program provides a preschool-like experience with the focus on supporting and developing the skills of caregivers, while improving school readiness among children. Y staff and volunteers support caregivers and share information on child development, learning and model activities that can be reinforced in the home.

The Gateway Family YMCA, formerly The YMCA of Eastern Union County, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community. The Y stands For Youth Development, For Healthy Living and For Social Responsibility. The Gateway Family YMCA impacts the community by providing quality services to people of all ages, races, faith or incomes. The Y doesn’t just strengthen bodies – it strengthens people, families and communities.

For more information about community programs and services provided by The Gateway Family YMCA, please visit www.tgfymca.org. For more information on Early Learning Readiness (ELR) in Elizabeth or Rahway, please contact Michael Johnson at 908-249-4809 or mjohnson@tgfymca.org.