About
YWCA Kids Place offers before- and after-school programs that include STEAM activities, social-emotional learning, community engagement, and choice-based learning. Children take part in entrepreneurship projects, gym games, exploring different sports, and at least 30 minutes of physical activity and outdoor play each day. The program also includes the YKP Juniors Reading & Writing Club, where children do reading and writing activities, and the Junior Writers Club, which provides author engagement opportunities and chances to meet local authors through activities centered around art, science, technology, and math.
YWCA Columbus has more than 30 years of experience providing this afterschool program, and Kids Place has a documented impact that includes over 30 years of service. All YWCA Kids Place programs are Step Up to Quality award-rated and are licensed by and subject to inspections through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Staff is highly trained in Ohio Department of Job and Family Services safety and development standards, engages in regular professional development to meet Step Up to Quality standards, and completes ten hours of additional professional development. Kids Place employees complete a background check, physical, drug screen, and education verification prior to employment. The leadership team includes Christina Walls (Managing Director of Education), Loren Beckett (Special Projects Administrator), Angela Martin (Enrollment & Subsidy Specialist), Laura Miller (Westerville Senior District Leader), Kristy Hylton (Gahanna District Leader), Tamika Pierce (Columbus District Leader), Mandi Buchwald (Westerville District Leader), Sydney Wilson (Gahanna District Coordinator), and Ontayya Zachary (Westerville District Coordinator). Directors and administration have over 185 years of combined experience. Programs serve students in Gahanna, Westerville, and Columbus, and doors are locked during program times in Westerville and Gahanna. Programs promote social action and advocacy through community service projects, and the expansion of the YKP Juniors Reading & Writing Club is supported by a $20,000 grant from the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation. YWCA Kids Place works with local police and fire departments to provide guidance in safety measures and training for staff, including emergency drills for students, and the expansion of youth development programs and scholarship opportunities is supported by community partners. YWCA Columbus states its mission as eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Last updated July 4, 2026.
YWCA Columbus has more than 30 years of experience providing this afterschool program, and Kids Place has a documented impact that includes over 30 years of service. All YWCA Kids Place programs are Step Up to Quality award-rated and are licensed by and subject to inspections through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Staff is highly trained in Ohio Department of Job and Family Services safety and development standards, engages in regular professional development to meet Step Up to Quality standards, and completes ten hours of additional professional development. Kids Place employees complete a background check, physical, drug screen, and education verification prior to employment. The leadership team includes Christina Walls (Managing Director of Education), Loren Beckett (Special Projects Administrator), Angela Martin (Enrollment & Subsidy Specialist), Laura Miller (Westerville Senior District Leader), Kristy Hylton (Gahanna District Leader), Tamika Pierce (Columbus District Leader), Mandi Buchwald (Westerville District Leader), Sydney Wilson (Gahanna District Coordinator), and Ontayya Zachary (Westerville District Coordinator). Directors and administration have over 185 years of combined experience. Programs serve students in Gahanna, Westerville, and Columbus, and doors are locked during program times in Westerville and Gahanna. Programs promote social action and advocacy through community service projects, and the expansion of the YKP Juniors Reading & Writing Club is supported by a $20,000 grant from the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation. YWCA Kids Place works with local police and fire departments to provide guidance in safety measures and training for staff, including emergency drills for students, and the expansion of youth development programs and scholarship opportunities is supported by community partners. YWCA Columbus states its mission as eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Last updated July 4, 2026.
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