Indiana Afterschool Network

🌟 Town Hall in Richmond, Indiana! 🌟

Last week, we visited the Richmond Family YMCA in Richmond, IN. Although our group was small, it was mighty! We engaged in an eye-opening discussion about the sustainability challenges faced by out-of-school time providers in Region 7. This conversation highlighted the hurdles our providers encounter and underscored the importance of coming together for advocacy and public policy efforts.

A special thanks to Misty Dees-Hollis, Butch, and the Richmond YMCA for hosting us.

Shout out to those who joined us:

⭐ - Alicia Painter - Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County

⭐ - Jada Redmon - Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County

⭐ - Taylor Burkett - Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County

⭐ - Gari Quiroz - Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County

⭐ - Emma Dragoo - Indiana Aeyc

⭐ - Misty Dees-Hollis - Richmond Family YMCA

Discover the next Town Hall near you on our advocacy page: https://www.indianaafterschool.org/advocacy/

🌟 We are offering sub-grants to help providers become CCDF-eligible and enhance access for students and families. This grant provides up to $2,500 for crucial CCDF requirements such as:

• Staff Salary Support
• Criminal History/Background Checks
• Intradermal Tuberculosis (TB) Testing
• Subscription to CHIRP for Online Immunization Access
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Health and Safety Orientation Training

🔗 For more information and to apply, visit https://ow.ly/BsH250Su5se

📢 Join Us for Our Upcoming IAN Engagement Meetings! This is a great opportunity to connect, share insights, and collaborate, strengthening our local communities through practical discussions and valuable partnerships.

Upcoming Meetings:

• August 8 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET | Carmel, IN
• August 15 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET | Elkhart, IN

Don't miss out on these opportunities to connect and collaborate with fellow OST providers.

🔗 Register: www.indianaafterschool.org/regional-engagement

📢 The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is still accepting applications for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Grant! Apply for funding to design and implement impactful afterschool programs.

📅 Submission Deadline: August 16, 2024

This grant supports organizations that offer academic enrichment during non-school hours for youth, especially those in under-resourced and under-served schools. The grant is open to public school districts, charter schools, community-based organizations, public/private organizations, faith-based organizations, or a consortium of these organizations.

Visit www.in.gov/doe/grants/OST/ to download the complete application instructions.

📬 Stay Informed and Connected with Our Newsletter! 📬

Sign up for our newsletter to receive valuable resources, policy updates, funding opportunities, professional development, and the latest news in Indiana out-of-school time programs.

Subscribe today: INOST.org/Newsletter

📢 We're hiring! Join our team as the AVP of Development! 🌟

Are you passionate about supporting Indiana's OST field? We're looking for a leader to develop and implement strategies that enhance our capacity and sustainability. In this role, you'll set and achieve development goals, design and execute effective strategies, engage with our team and the field, measure the impact of our initiatives, and ensure equity and inclusivity in all our efforts.

Apply today: https://ow.ly/UgoZ50SCkMg

📢 Join Us for Our Upcoming IAN Engagement Meetings! This is a great opportunity to connect, share insights, and collaborate, strengthening our local communities through practical discussions and valuable partnerships.

Upcoming Meetings:

• July 30 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET | Lafayette, IN
• August 8 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET | Carmel, IN
• August 15 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET | Elkhart, IN

Don't miss out on these opportunities to connect and collaborate with fellow OST providers.

🔗 Register: www.indianaafterschool.org/regional-engagement

We're thrilled to welcome Andrew Bourne as our new Director of Membership at the Indiana Afterschool Network! With his passion and experience, we're set to reach new heights. Join us in congratulating Andrew and looking forward to a brighter future for OST programs in Indiana! 🎉👏

📢 LAST DAY to Register! 🌟 Join us for a Town Hall style gathering in Richmond, IN on 7/17 at the Richmond Family YMCA / Excel Center!

This is your opportunity to:
✅ Share your experiences and challenges
✅ Discuss creative ideas and solutions
✅ Engage in open and meaningful conversations

We believe in the power of collaboration and want to hear from YOU! Plus, there’s no cost to attend, and lunch will be provided. Register: https://ow.ly/BSwX50StNVO

🚀 Don’t miss out on this NO COST resource 🚀

The deadline to apply for the FREE Child Care Management System from the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is approaching fast! Simplify your program management with this game-changing tool, available for up to two years at no cost.

📅 Deadline: July 15
🔗 Apply now: on.IN.gov/ccms

📢 Join Us for Our Upcoming Engagement Meet-Ups! 🌟

These gatherings are a great opportunity to connect, share insights, and collaborate to enhance our services, strengthening our OST community through meaningful exchanges and lasting partnerships.

Upcoming Meetings:

• July 25 | 10am – 12:00pm ET | Marengo, IN
• July 30 | 10am – 12:00pm ET | Lafayette, IN
• August 8 | 10am – 12:00pm ET | Carmel, IN

Don't miss these opportunities to connect and collaborate with fellow OST providers.

🔗 Register and learn more here: www.indianaafterschool.org/regional-engagement

🌟 Want to help expand out-of-school time opportunities for youth across Indiana? 🌟

Sign up to become an OST advocate in just a few clicks! Our advocacy page keeps you up to date on advocacy events, coaching webinars, and calls-to-action. Stay informed on key legislation during the Indiana legislative session with timely updates.

Click the link below, scroll down to the "Sign Up for Alerts" section, and add your email address. Your voice matters—help generate change and get the OST field the attention it deserves.

🔗 www.IndianaAfterschool.org/Advocacy

📢 Join us for the IAN Town Hall in Richmond, IN (Region 7) on July 17 at the Richmond Family YMCA / Excel Center!

This in-person event is your chance to:
✅ Share your experiences and challenges
✅ Discuss creative ideas and solutions
✅ Engage in open and meaningful conversations

We believe in the power of collaboration and want to hear from YOU! Plus, there’s no cost to attend, and lunch will be provided. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow OST providers and make a difference in our community.

🔗 Register July 12: https://ow.ly/Fwu050StNuz

🚀 The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning’s Family and Social Services Administration is offering a FREE Child Care Management System to OST programs for up to two years! This is a game-changer in program management, helping you simplify enrollment, track attendance, streamline payments, monitor classroom ratios, organize staff records, and communicate with families effectively.

Learn more and apply by July 15 at on.IN.gov/ccms.

🔆 Visit to The STEM Connection 🔆

On this perfect summer day, the Indiana Afterschool Network had the pleasure of visiting The STEM Connection. This week at their summer camp is "Pollinator Power," focused on the incredible bugs that pollinate our world. From walking trails and babbling creeks to vibrant gardens, students connect with nature and explore their curiosity.

Angela Fitzgerald provided the tour of the 30-acre property. As we walked the trails, we came across an eagle’s nest, the size of a Prius—Angela mentioned they've had two eaglets this year! This morning, the camp was visited by horses, and an entomologist is lined up for the afternoon. The students were busy catching butterflies in the field and playing games together. Not a tablet or phone in sight—only laughter, play, and nature.

The STEM Connection is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with exciting plans. Their goal is to serve over 10,000 students through onsite programs like field trips and camps, as well as through their amazing STEM Kits. Each STEM Kit includes an activity sheet, video, and career connection. The theme for this round is "Be an Engineer." With the support of corporate sponsors and volunteers, they work to remove cost barriers so every kid can benefit.

Looking to the future, The STEM Connection aims to expand its capacity for more middle and high school programs. They are even working on a partnership with Google to distribute kits coast to coast. The farm has rows of sunflowers in preparation for their "Sunflowers at Sunset" dinner later this year (September 13th). For more information, check out their website: https://thestemconnection.org/sunflowersatsunset/

The STEM Connection is a fabulous organization with a passion for STEM, working in the STEM field before it became a common term. Check them out for field trips or STEM Kits for your organization! Located in Marion County, they are a heartbeat away from downtown Indy.

Special thanks to Vera Vander Kooy and The STEM Connection staff for a fantastic visit.

The STEM Connection Website: https://thestemconnection.org/

Youth work is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone.

The Youth Worker Well-Being Project offers no-cost virtual Peer Support Groups for all Indiana youth workers facilitated by experienced behavioral health professionals to help you manage stress and trauma on a drop-in, as-needed basis, so you can continue to provide high-quality services.

Find out more about Peer Support Groups and how to join here: youthworkerwellbeing.org/peer-support-groups

✨ Kick-off Meeting in Region 8! ✨

This morning, we had an incredible kick-off Regional Meeting at the Monroe County Library in Bloomington, IN. Our morning was filled with insightful discussions and collaborative energy!

Thank you to Hannah Lencheck and Li Meuser for an insightful shared learning presentation on Trauma and De-escalation Practices. Check out the Building a Thriving Compassionate Community for training opportunities for your organization: https://www.btccbloomington.org/

Shout out to the Monroe County Library for use of their Meeting space.

Cheers to all the amazing providers who came out for a morning of linking, learning, and leveraging!

🌟 Kim Uland - Monroe County Community School Corporation

🌟 Laura Stickels - Monroe County Community School Corporation

🌟 Luis Santiago - Purdue Extension-Daviess County

🌟 Deborah Getz - Indiana University Bloomington

🌟 Sarah Bledsoe - Monroe County Community School Corporation

🌟 Carrie Ritchison - Hoosier Uplands 21st CCLC Afterschool Programs

🌟 Yalonda Brown, MSOL, CYC-P - Indiana Youth Institute

🌟 Kel McBride - Impact Teen Drivers

🌟 Jackie Bone - Indiana Aeyc

🌟 Hannah Lencheck - Building a Thriving Compassionate Community (BTCC)

🌟 Lisa Meuser - Building a Thriving Compassionate Community (BTCC)

🌟 Hailey Ritchison - Hoosier Uplands 21st CCLC Afterschool Programs

Want to come to our next meeting? Check out our Regional Engagement page for the next meeting in your region! https://www.indianaafterschool.org/regional-engagement

Let's continue to make a difference together!!

📢 Join us for a discuss on Strategies for Supporting Staff Wellness!

🗓 Friday, June 21, 12:00-1:00 pm ET

We're thrilled to have our CEO, Lakshmi Hasanadka, presenting alongside other youth development leaders from Indiana and Michigan. As our youth face increasing mental health challenges, it's crucial to support the wellness of the dedicated professionals working with them.

Register: https://ow.ly/6mf450SmMTl

📢 Reminder: Public Hearing on CCDF Plan TODAY 📢

The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) has released its draft FFY 2025-27 Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) plan. This plan is crucial for providing resources to enable low-income parents to work or pursue education while promoting children's learning and development.

🗓️ Date: TODAY, June 20
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM ET
📍 Location: Online via Zoom

The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is seeking input from out-of-school time and early childhood education providers on the new plan before it is sent to the federal Office of Child Care for consideration.

Join us at the public hearing to voice your thoughts and help shape the future of child care and development in Indiana. Your input is valuable!

📕 Read the Plan Here: https://ow.ly/UT7o50SlgHN
🔗 Join the Zoom Meeting Here: https://ow.ly/QjsZ50SlgHL

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history marking the end of slavery in the United States. This day reminds us of the ongoing fight for freedom, equality, and justice for all. In recognition, our office is closed. We wish everyone a day of restoration and celebration.

📢 We're hiring an Associate Director of Quality Initiatives! This key position will:

• Execute on our strategies regarding program quality.
• Coach out-of-school time professionals.
• Ensure providers have the tools they need.
• Help increase engagement with OST programs.

Apply for this position or share it with your network today! https://ow.ly/291X50S0lUT

Many after-school programs are at risk as federal ESSER funds expire. These programs, crucial for students' development and safety, need diverse funding to continue. Discover the impact and challenges of sustaining these valuable initiatives. Read more:

Pandemic aid for schools is ending soon. Many after-school programs may go with it Once the federal money expires, one Tulsa organization estimates its after-school program offerings will shrink from 450 to just 75. That's unless they can find outside funding.

🌟 Indiana Afterschool Network's Regional Meeting | Region 6 🌟

Yesterday, we had an incredible morning at the Washington Township Parks Pavilion filled with brainstorming, linking, learning, conversing, and leveraging!

A huge shout out to Sarah Bartolo BS, CPST from Child Care Answers for her fantastic Shared Learning session on the barriers to childcare. Your insightful presentation sparked meaningful discussions about child care and out-of-school time programs in Indiana. Thank you for all the research and effort that went into it! 👏

A heartfelt thank you to Washington Township Parks for providing such a beautiful space. The view of the lake on a sunny day was the perfect backdrop for our gathering. 🌞🏞️

And of course, a special thanks to all the dedicated providers who came together today:

🌟 Robert Babcock - At Your School AYS, Inc.

🌟Sarah Bartolo - Child Care Answers

🌟Tiffany Buckingham - Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation

🌟Ashley Burton - Edna Martin Christian Center

🌟Dyla Harris- Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center

🌟Dasia McNeill - MSD of Lawrence Township

🌟Shante Owens - MSD of Lawrence Township

🌟Whitney Parker, MPA - Girl Scouts of Central Indiana

🌟Lora Prange - Archdiocese of Indianapolis

🌟Dawn Pruitt - Cummins Behavioral Health Systems, Inc.,

🌟Rebecca Rhodes - Girl Coalition of Indiana

🌟Leatrice Riley - The Riley Center

🌟Mary Schrock - Indy Art Center

🌟Jerry Wallace - YMCA of Greater Indianapolis

Your commitment to improving afterschool programs is truly inspiring. Together, we are making a difference! 💪✨

www.facebook.com

🚨Last day to register for our next town hall! We believe in the power of collaboration and want to hear directly from you about your experiences, challenges, and creative ideas. This event is all about fostering open and meaningful conversations, providing a safe space to discuss the out-of-school time topics that matter most to you.

There is no cost to attend. Lunch will be provided! Reserve your spot today: https://ow.ly/nUWH50ROkgb

🚀 Capitol Hill Adventures: Afterschool for All Challenge 🚀

Indiana Afterschool Network and At Your School (AYS, Inc.) are storming Capitol Hill this week, and it's not just for the photo ops! We're in Washington DC with the dream team—Brent E. Wake, MPH, Samuel Barnett, and Chrystal Struben, MBA—championing Indiana's out-of-school time programs. 📚✨

Our mission? To show Indiana leaders the superpowers of Out-of-School Time programs in workforce development, supporting working families, and strengthening communities. 💼👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏘️

A huge shoutout to Afterschool Alliance for hosting the "Afterschool for All Challenge" on June 10 & 11. It's an honor to be part of this incredible initiative! Check it out here: https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/challenge.cfm

Big thanks to all the leaders and representatives who made time for us:
✨Thomas Schacht (Office of U.S. Representative Greg Pence )
✨ Diala Qasem (Office of Congressman André Carson )
✨ Mitchell Durnil (Office of US Senator Mike Braun )
✨ Josh Weber (Office of Congressman Jim Baird )
✨ Hiroki Cook (Office of U.S. Senator Todd Young )

And of course, we couldn't leave without a quick pit stop at the Committee on Appropriations—fingers crossed for some Hoosier funding magic! 💸🤞

🌟 Join us tomorrow to learn how to leverage your voice and advocate for Indiana's youth programs during our informational webinar on June 12 at 11 AM ET. Discover the impact of OST programs and find out how you can host an advocacy event in your community during OST Advocacy Week in August.

IAN will support you by inviting Congress members, providing an Advocacy Week Toolkit, and promoting your event. Register here: https://ow.ly/1ioK50RG0cz

🌟 Provider Spotlight: Celebrating Community Heroes! 🌟

Big shoutout to Nina Burton of Woodland Child Development Center and Ken Barry of the Boys & Girls Club of NWI in Gary! 🙌 They were the driving forces behind the success of our Northwestern Indiana Town Hall on Out-of-School Time sustainability. 🎉

🌟 Nina Burton's Community Engagement Magic: Nina rallied over 30 partners from Northwestern Indiana, making the event a day of collaboration, feedback, and networking!

🌟 Ken Barry's (Patrick Ken Barry) Generosity at Boys & Girls Club of NWI in Gary: Ken graciously provided his space as the venue, and his team's support in setting everything up was instrumental! The event wouldn't have been possible without their generosity!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Nina and Ken for their unwavering dedication. The IAN Team is truly grateful for your role in creating a vibrant Out-of-School Time community in Indiana! 🚀💙