Security Health Plan investing $40,000 in Youth Net
For Hub City Times
MARSHFIELD — Security Health Plan of Wisconsin Inc. will contribute $40,000 in 2017 to support Youth Net, an innovative afterschool and summer program that has been supporting Marshfield area youth and families for more than 25 years.
The Marshfield Clinic Center for Community Outreach operates Youth Net, which assists children ages 8 to 18 living in the Marshfield area. During the school year the program serves more than 300 children, most of whom live in economically challenging circumstances. Also, many face physical and learning challenges.
“Children who come to Youth Net have been referred by local schools, human service agencies, physicians, and behavioral health providers,” said Jennifer Smith, a health educator who leads the Youth Net program. “It’s a safe place that uses evidence-based programs to promote academic success, social-emotional learning, health and fitness, community service, and establishing positive relationships.”
Youth, parents, and teachers were asked to evaluate the program last year. Among the survey results:
—Fifty-nine percent of students felt their grades improved.
—Sixty-four percent of parents felt their child was physically active for at least one hour per day.
—Seventy-four percent of teachers were satisfied with student grades.
—Seventy-four percent of parents felt their child’s organizational skills improved.
“Security Health Plan is pleased to be able to be a sponsor of Youth Net. It’s a program that is making a real difference in our community and with our youth,” said Jay Shrader, director of disease management and wellness.
“This sponsorship from Security Health Plan will help support our overall programming,” Smith said. “An investment in children is an investment in the future.”
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