Organization: Albert Lea Family Y

Project: Financial assistance to families

Report: The Albert Lea Family Y grant from the Freeborn County Communities Foundation is being used toward financial assistance to families in four specific program areas.

The first area is $5,000 used in middle school programming. The Y runs the programs and activities at no cost to participants.

The second area is $5,000 put into a youth fund drive and spent on sliding fees/financial assistance positively impacting youth and families. They are given scholarships anywhere from $1 to $35 per month to help cover their membership fees for six months, depending on need and activities they want to get involved in.

The third area is fifth-grade memberships. About $3,000 assists with this program. MBT bank sponsors $3,000 for this opportunity as well to make this program possible. The actual cost for fifth grade is  $10,000, according to a press release.

The fourth area is youth sports, swim lessons and out-of-school time activities. About $2,000 goes to sponsor youth into the programs.

The use of the grant allows the Family Y to ensure families have access to memberships or programs regardless of ability to pay.