Youth Programs, CDC win big at USAFE

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Russell
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Incirlik's Youth Center and Child Development Center teams were awarded best youth and child development programs in the United States Air Forces in Europe for 2008. 

The programs, both of which are now competing at the Air Force level, were highlighted for their distinct accomplishments in leadership, management, mission accomplishment, customer satisfaction and operation results according to their award nominations. 

"It truly takes a team of hard working professionals to run a successful Youth Program," said Kristie Nemechek, YP director. "Everyone is a part of this tremendous honor; from the staff, volunteers, youth and parents." 

With more than 400 youth enrolled in Incirlik's programs, expansion has been the biggest challenge for the center's providers. 

"Incirlik's YP has come a long way in such a very short time," said Ms. Nemechek. "We have expanded our programming and added new events to all our areas. We've opened a skate park, a new teen room dedicated to youth 13 to 18 years of age and a School-Age Program that's expanded from 20 to an average of 60 youth." 

The CDC is also taking advantage of the increase in customers to expand their scope of operations and is reaching out to the community in areas not traditionally touched by the center. 

"The CDC, in addition to growing rapidly, is currently going through the National Association for the Education of Young Children reaccreditation," said Ina Gooch, CDC program director. "This process assesses 10 standards with more than 400 criteria to show that the CDC is providing quality care to the Incirlik community." 

According to the award package that was sent to USAFE, the center expanded child care availability and space accommodations, as well as published monthly parent education articles in the 39th Force Support Squadron's "Happenings" magazine. The CDC also enhanced the base environment by coordinating an American Red Cross CPR course for all employees with the help of more than 50 volunteers. 

These accomplishments reflect the pride and professionalism of both organizations. 

Last year alone the CDC staff opened their doors early to support wing runs, provided child care after hours for parents attending the Air Force Gala and other numerous Air Force events. It also spearheaded wing-wide family activities such as the Spring Fling, Independence Day Bash and Fall Festival with more than 2,000 attendees throughout the year. 

Despite the accolades, both programs refuse to rest on their laurels and are already making great progress for this year's programs by opening up new rooms to accommodate more slots for toddlers, along with a new infant's room slated to be opened March 23, according to Ms. Gooch. 

"Our focus for the upcoming year is to continue to offer the programming our community needs," said Ms. Nemechek. "The YP and CDC work together and are dedicated to all families of Incirlik." 

For more information about Incirlik's CDC, call 676-6553, or for YP call 676-6670.