A Safe Place to Belong: Inside Elevate Youth Center’s Free After-School Program

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Heather Waniger and Aimee Howard from Elevate Youth Center to discuss the organization's free after-school programming for middle school students and its mission to provide a safe, welcoming space for local youth.

Learn how Elevate is helping bridge the gap for middle school families by offering homework support, recreation, meals, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with the community. The conversation also highlights how the program has grown, the partnerships that make it possible, and how local organizations and volunteers can get involved.

Whether you're a parent looking for after-school options, a community member interested in supporting local youth, or simply curious about the impact Elevate is making, this episode is for you.

📍 Learn more about Elevate Youth Center and its free programming for area students.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome to Along the Rock

00:33 – Inside Elevate Youth Center

00:58 – What the After-School Program Offers

01:41 – Games, Crafts & Activities

02:02 – Guest Speakers & Community Connections

02:43 – Snacks & Meals

03:12 – A Safe Place After School

03:41 – Tuesday & Thursday Drop-In Hours

04:46 – After-School Program Schedule

05:22 – YMCA Activities

06:05 – The Program Is Completely Free

06:50 – Addressing the Middle School Gap

08:05 – Keeping Kids Connected

09:00 – Who Can Attend?

10:25 – Registration vs. Drop-In

11:40 – Community Partnerships

12:41 – Three Years of Growth

13:53 – How the Community Can Help

14:28 – Local Businesses Getting Involved

15:30 – Closing

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#AlongTheRock #ElevateYouthCenter #YouthPrograms #AfterSchoolProgram #MiddleSchool #YouthDevelopment #CommunityYouth #FreeYouthProgram #SterlingIllinois #SaukValley #CommunitySupport #YouthMentoring #AfterSchoolActivities #CommunityPrograms #RadarFreePress #TheRadarOnline

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