By Regina McConnell
East Madison Community Center
Behind the closed doors of the East Madison Community Center (EMCC), one will find computers buzzing as students work on their virtual lessons.
EMCC has been hosting full-time youth education program since the start of the school year. Participating students attend 11 different schools. This program is made possible with the collaborative efforts of EMCC and First Tee of South Central Wisconsin.
Wednesday is the favorite day of the week because students and staff get a break from virtual lessons. A typical Wednesday offers a variety of activities, such as field trips, arts and crafts, garden club, games, social skills class and more.
Although students are separated in pods, EMCC has the feeling of pre-COVID times with laughter and youthful energy throughout the center. We have found a rhythm that is providing the children and their families some stability during the pandemic.
A bonus program, which has brought smiles to many youngsters’ faces and tummies, is the Predolin Foundation Program via Second Harvest Foodbank and United Way of Dane County. Twice a month, children are able to select fresh fruit and vegetables to eat at the center and take a basket home for their families. Watermelon and pineapple are hands down the favorite sweet treats.
Normally EMCC hosts a popular bowl-a-thon fundraiser in the fall, but due to COVID-19, the event was virtual this year. Several youth program participants went to Dream Lanes Nov. 7 to play a few games with some powerful bowlers. Special thanks to virtual bowlers who raised money and the many generous event sponsors. Proceeds from our event help EMCC maintain and expand its award-winning youth program Academic Improvement through Minority Mentors (AIMM).
