With a new school year just weeks away, the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge is gearing up to support hundreds of local families through its Y After School program. As one of the Roanoke Valley’s largest and longest-running childcare providers, the Y has been a steady partner to families for generations, offering safe, enriching care when it’s needed most.
“Our Y After School Care program blends homework help, active play, and character-building activities into a safe environment where kids can thrive beyond the classroom,” said Alicia Kindred, childcare director of YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. “This year we will focus our activities on the Y’s core values of Caring, Responsibility, Respect, and Honesty.”
Y After School operates on-site at elementary schools across Roanoke City, Roanoke County, City of Salem, Rockbridge County, Lexington City, and Botetourt County, serving children ages 3–12 with programs designed to support both students and working families.
“We know balancing work and family is challenging, especially when the school day ends before the workday does,” added Kindred. Last year, the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge provided childcare for over 1,600 families, and this year will be no different.
Y After School 2025–26 locations:
City of Salem & Roanoke County
East Salem, Fort Lewis, GW Carver, South Salem, West Salem
(Kindergarten–5th | Aug. 14 (Roanoke County) Aug. 18 (City of Salem), 2025 – May 28, 2026 | Open on early release, teacher workdays, breaks & snow days)
As a nonprofit, the YMCA said it works to make high-quality after school care accessible for families of all income levels through scholarships and Virginia DSS Assistance — ensuring cost is never a barrier to participation. Registration is now open for the 2025–2026 school year.
-The Salem Times-Register
