KidSpace is our after-school program here at the J. Each school day, more than 60 children are bussed from the three elementary schools in Longmeadow to the Springfield JCC. They enjoy a snack and then engage in their choice of activities: enrichment classes, homework help, active games, and creative sessions led by experienced staff and specialists. During school vacations, children in grades K-5 enjoy 'staycations' filled with arts and crafts, swimming and sports, and other fun activities.

KidSpace's home is in our Youth & Family wing. Their space has just been fully renovated thanks to a $1m Congressionally Directed Spending award made possible by the leadership and support of Congressman Richard Neal, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, and U.S. Senator Ed Markey. Program spaces have been modernized to meet current best practices for learning environments and to stimulate creativity, imagination, and joy. The project also included the addition of accessible restrooms to better serve members with special needs. This project will ultimately improve our ability to welcome more children in the long-term and strengthen the JCC's ability to serve as a vital community resource for families.

Taryn Blanchard, Senior Site Coordinator for KidSpace, said: "The kids absolutely love the new space. You can feel their excitement every day they walk in! Whether it’s the new facilities they get to use or new toys they get to play with, it’s been really cool to see how quickly they’ve made it their own. And working in a space that has been designed with the kids in mind really helps the program run smoothly."

We also asked the children what they thought of the new space. They told us:

• "When I saw the classrooms, I thought 'Oh wow! They're really good!'" L.
• "I felt happy and impressed with what they did. There is much more fun stuff. The floors have more colors and the walls are all painted. I love the new toys!" A.
• "It's good 👍. It's very neat and fun." H.
• "It feels comfortable when you walk in." H.