I have been at KYCC since kindergarten through eighth grade. About ten years ago, my mother was given a KYCC flyer at my elementary school and decided to enroll me into the program so I could receive the support I was lacking at home. Not only did I enjoy attending KYCC, but my parents also enjoyed seeing me receive support and they were also able to receive different resources. I am now volunteering with Bridge as a high school student.

I have created so many memories as a student and volunteer. The memory I often find myself smiling at is when I got picked up from elementary school on a rainy day. On the walk to KYCC, we encountered a mud puddle. I ended up falling in and my pants were drenched.

When I got to KYCC, I was embarrassed, but I was quickly embraced by one of the staff, who ran up to me and helped me up. KYCC, without fail, made me feel welcomed and supported. I have made lifelong relationships with so many individuals — both students and teachers who care for me.

As a student, I often thought that KYCC was a place where I could do homework and play. However, as I got older, I realized that it is so much more than that: It is a community dedicated to serving the community in a variety of ways.

I ended up at KYCC’s doorstep through outreach that was done through my elementary school. I attended Wilton Place Elementary so my mother was informed about KYCC’s Summer Day Camp through the main office. Afterwards, my parents continued enrolling me every summer they could.

I was at KYCC for 3 years, from 3rd through 5th grade. During my years, KYCC would host summer camp at different elementary schools, so there was so much space for many activities. I remember at the end of summer, we would perform plays and do big end of the summer celebrations. Although academics were included the biggest impression I was left with were all the memories created. I always felt welcomed, treated equally, and overall was always happy and never wanted to leave at the end of the day.

A fun memory I can recall at KYCC was mainly with all the volunteers. How they took the effort to get to know us and help us, in academic time, but also playtime. It was a great way for them to get students to play and interact with one another, while also making connections with the students themselves.

What I would like others to know about KYCC’s Youth Services, is we are a welcoming site that focuses on the success and well-being of their students. We want our students to not only have a great experience with us, but also gain something from our programs—whether it be academically, socially or emotionally. We are here to best serve our community in the best ways we can.

I discovered KYCC because I needed a preschool for my daughter, and found Kids Town close to our home, so I decided to enroll her at Kids Town in February 2019. Everyday that I picked up my daughter at preschool, she never wanted to leave Kids Town. Now that she is in the elementary after school program, she feels the same, still asking why I pick her up early at 5:00 p.m.

From 2019 to the present, KYCC has been a really special place for us. My daughter loves spending time there and they have shown that the experience and knowledge they have with kids is amazing.

KYCC is a very good place for kids. The teachers make sure kids learn, feel safe, and be themselves. They have experience and knowledge to help kids in all areas. Teacher Julie and Teacher Luz make sure my daughter has a very firm foundation and the skills that she required to start Kindergarten. Teacher Presilla is always on top of the kids, keeping them safe, and making sure they enjoy and learn.