Nashua's Earl Prolman visits Y's 'Summer Learning Loss Prevention' program at Nashua schools

YMCA OF GREATER NASHUA RECEIVES COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT FROM NEW YORK LIFE

NASHUA, NH - July 25, 2017 – YMCA of Greater Nashua announced today that it was awarded a $15,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life.

The grant will support the YMCA’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program (SLLP) which improves literacy skills for low-income first and second grade students in Nashua who are struggling with their reading skills.

“We are grateful for New York Life’s investment in our successful Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program which will change many lives for the better,” said Mike LaChance, CEO of YMCA of Greater Nashua. “Without the support from New York Life, we wouldn’t be able to serve the 56 children in this program. This grant will help defray program expenses including educational supplies, program staff wages, and educational field trips for the students. Over the past two years, we have seen significant progress for these first and second graders that are struggling with their reading skills. Our evidence-based Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program enables these kids to begin the next school year ahead, instead of falling further behind.”

“I’m proud to work for a company that encourages its agents and employees to devote their time, energy and talents to support the needs and priorities of their local community,” said Earl Prolman, an agent of the company’s New Hampshire General Office in Nashua. “We are pleased that our partnership will have a long-lasting impact on the YMCA and the population they serve." Mr. Prolman serves on the YMCA’s Board of Trustees, and has been an active volunteer for over 5 decades.

The YMCA of Greater Nashua is the only Y in New Hampshire offering SLLP. The summer of 2015 was the first time it was offered locally. Evidence based research has shown that low-income students lose 2.5 to 3 months of learning each summer and this is cumulative over their school career. This program enables students to begin the next school year ahead, instead of falling further behind. Additionally, studies show that getting kids to read at grade level by third grade significantly improves their likelihood of completing high school.

The Community Impact Grant program awards grants of up to $25,000 to local nonprofit organizations which are championed by New York Life agents and employees to serve the needs of their local communities. Since the program’s inception in 2008, 452 grants totaling nearly $6 million have been awarded to nonprofits across the country.

About the YMCA of Greater Nashua:

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Nashua engages over 30,000 men, women and children annually – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. For more information about the Y visit www.nmymca.org.