Building a Stronger Community: YMCA of the Chippewa Valley
Afterschool programs do more than just provide a safe space for children—they serve as training grounds for future educators, social workers, and community leaders. The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley exemplifies this by not only enriching children’s lives but also offering invaluable hands-on experience for University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) students who work in their programs.
During a recent visit to the YMCA’s afterschool program at Robbins Elementary School in Eau Claire, I witnessed firsthand how this program benefits both the children and the young adults who help run it.
A Pipeline for Future Professionals
Many of the YMCA’s staff members are UWEC students, particularly those studying elementary education or social work. Their roles give them direct experience working with children, preparing them for future careers in teaching and child development.
Payton, a second-year social work student at UWEC, began working with the YMCA over the summer and has continued into the school year. For her, the job is more than just part-time work—it’s a stepping stone into a career centered on helping families.
“My mom used to be a single mom, and we needed those resources from the state, and having a person that can help you find those resources is amazing,” Payton shared. “When I first had my social welfare class at Eau Claire, the professor, who is a social worker, was amazing. Just the way she presented herself and all of her ideas just perfectly aligned with mine.”
Through her work at the YMCA, Payton has honed essential professional skills. “I mean I have to come in and show myself. You can't let the kids know that you've had a bad day, you have to leave everything in the car,” she explained. “As Amy has taught us, you leave everything that is going on in your life in the car. It’s important that we give kids our best and that means collecting ourselves and making sure we are in the right mindset to offer the best care possible for the children.””
Collis, another YMCA staff member, followed a similar path. A former Eau Claire student who participated in YMCA programs as a child, he worked his way up from junior counselor to a leadership role overseeing elementary school sites. His journey highlights the full-circle impact of afterschool programs.
“It started when I was seven,” Collis recalled. “That was my first summer at the YMCA. So from age seven until 14, I was at summer camp, and mainly just after school at the South Side YMCA in Chicago. When I turned 15, I became a junior counselor… and then when I turned 18, the summer after my freshman year of college, I went back and worked at the summer camp.”
Collis now oversees multiple elementary school programs and supports new staff. “90% or so of our staff are majoring in elementary education or special education,” he said. “So to see where their passion lies and just helping them grow personally and professionally is probably my favorite part.”
A Strong Partnership with Schools
The YMCA’s relationship with the Eau Claire Area School District ensures children have access to quality programming right at their schools. Parents appreciate the convenience and peace of mind, knowing their children are engaged in meaningful activities without needing to travel to another location.
Amy Peterson-Foss, Executive Director of Program Quality at the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley, emphasized the collaborative nature of their work with schools. “For school districts, it’s a service to their families as well,” she explained. “We’re really partners in care. So we communicate frequently and often about different challenges and maybe how to overcome those challenges and share tools so that we can serve the children and the families to the best of our ability.”
Ensuring Quality and Accessibility
All of the YMCA’s afterschool programs are licensed through YoungStar, Wisconsin’s quality rating system for child care providers. This not only guarantees high standards but also enables families to receive financial assistance through Wisconsin Shares, making afterschool care more accessible.
“It’s important that we have all of our programs licensed and then also involved with YoungStar so that we can serve those families that participate in Wisconsin Shares,” Peterson-Foss noted. “A major mission of the Y has always been to make sure that we are available for everyone and being able to accept assistance from families, removes that barrier and allows us to better serve our community.”
More Than Just Child Care
Beyond academic support, the YMCA program prioritizes physical activity and outdoor play—even in Wisconsin’s frigid winters. Keeping kids active helps with their social development, physical health, and overall well-being.
The impact of Eau Claire’s YMCA afterschool programs extends far beyond the children they serve. They’re shaping the next generation of teachers, social workers, and youth advocates—proving that afterschool programs aren’t just a necessity, but a vital part of building a stronger, more connected community. 