More Than a Summer Job: Park and Play

United Way of Grays Harbor
13 minutes ago
2 min read

Every year during Community Program Presentations, we hear stories about the programs supporting children and families across Grays Harbor County.

This year, the YMCA brought Bentley with them. Last summer was Bentley’s first year working at Park and Play, the YMCA of Grays Harbor’s free summer meal and activity program for kids across the county. What she experienced there stayed with her.

"Working at Park and Play showed me that as a first-time employee I can really make a difference. I'm not just working as a cashier. I'm giving back to my community."

One girl came to the site every day with her four younger siblings. From what Bentley could observe, she was likely the only fluent English speaker in her household. She helped the younger kids make bracelets, watched out for her siblings, and quietly carried more responsibility than most kids her age.

After the first week, she started asking if she could take a couple of extra meals home for later.

"Those kids, when they're given the opportunity, they will take it because they know that it's there and they want the help."

-Bentley Park and Play staff member

Park and Play is a free summer program run by the YMCA of Grays Harbor — meals, activities, and a consistent adult presence every weekday across Aberdeen, Cosmopolis, Elma, and as far out as Tohola and Pacific Beach. When school ends, a lot of kids lose their daily meal and their safe place. Park and Play fills that gap.

18,600 Free meals served last summer

9 Sites and drop-off locations

47 Days of programming

100% Of surveyed families reported improved access to healthy food

YMCA CEO Francine Potts put it best: she hopes the kids who grow up coming to Park and Play will one day recognize those logos and remember that someone showed up for them, and that it becomes a ripple they carry forward.