A Safe Place to Belong: Inside Elevate Youth Center’s Free After-School Program

<p>On this episode of <strong>Along the Rock</strong>, host <strong>Kierstyn Long</strong> sits down with <strong>Heather Waniger</strong> and <strong>Aimee Howard</strong> from <strong>Elevate Youth Center</strong> to discuss the organization&#39;s free after-school programming for middle school students and its mission to provide a safe, welcoming space for local youth.</p><p>Learn how Elevate is helping bridge the gap for middle school families by offering homework support, recreation, meals, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with the community. The conversation also highlights how the program has grown, the partnerships that make it possible, and how local organizations and volunteers can get involved.</p><p>Whether you&#39;re a parent looking for after-school options, a community member interested in supporting local youth, or simply curious about the impact Elevate is making, this episode is for you.</p><p>📍 <strong>Learn more about Elevate Youth Center and its free programming for area students.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.</p><p><br></p><p>🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online</p><p><br></p><p>🎤 Highlights:</p><p>00:00 – Welcome to Along the Rock</p><p>00:33 – Inside Elevate Youth Center</p><p>00:58 – What the After-School Program Offers</p><p>01:41 – Games, Crafts &amp; Activities</p><p>02:02 – Guest Speakers &amp; Community Connections</p><p>02:43 – Snacks &amp; Meals</p><p>03:12 – A Safe Place After School</p><p>03:41 – Tuesday &amp; Thursday Drop-In Hours</p><p>04:46 – After-School Program Schedule</p><p>05:22 – YMCA Activities</p><p>06:05 – The Program Is Completely Free</p><p>06:50 – Addressing the Middle School Gap</p><p>08:05 – Keeping Kids Connected</p><p>09:00 – Who Can Attend?</p><p>10:25 – Registration vs. Drop-In</p><p>11:40 – Community Partnerships</p><p>12:41 – Three Years of Growth</p><p>13:53 – How the Community Can Help</p><p>14:28 – Local Businesses Getting Involved</p><p>15:30 – Closing</p><p><br></p><p>Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Radar Free Press⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Follow us on all social media platforms below:</p><p>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress</p><p>https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk</p><p>https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790</p><p>https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/</p><p>https://rumble.com/radarfreepress</p><p>https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress</p><p>https://x.com/radarfreepress</p><p>https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/</p><p>https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress </p><p><br></p><p>#AlongTheRock #ElevateYouthCenter #YouthPrograms #AfterSchoolProgram #MiddleSchool #YouthDevelopment #CommunityYouth #FreeYouthProgram #SterlingIllinois #SaukValley #CommunitySupport #YouthMentoring #AfterSchoolActivities #CommunityPrograms #RadarFreePress #TheRadarOnline</p>