NORFOLK, Va. —
A team effort between the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provided free passes to teens from both organizations Saturday.
As always, with the end of the school year comes the search for ways to keep students busy during the summer months. The YMCA and HRT are both hoping their partnership keeps teens occupied in a safe and accessible way.
Teresa DeLoatch stopped by the Blocker Family YMCA in Norfolk Saturday afternoon to get her granddaughter signed up for both programs.
DeLoatch told 13News Now, “It's awesome, it just gives them the opportunity to do different things over the summer.”
The YMCA free teen membership lasts until August 31 and is valid at all locations in south Hampton Roads. HRT’s Student Freedom Pass is valid until a student graduates or turns 18. DeLoatch says she's excited for her granddaughter to have options.
“Other than just staying home or going to the nearest rec center, they get the opportunity to go to the Y and meet new people,” explained DeLoatch. “We've taken the ferry from Portsmouth to Norfolk to hang out at Waterside, but it will be her first time taking the bus and also riding light rail.”
Amy Jordan with HRT says the Student Freedom Pass is a step towards, well, freedom.
Jordan said, “It really helps them to have independence. It allows them to start to experience their community. They can get jobs. If they have to stay after school for a program, they can do that.”
She added, if parents are nervous about letting their teen ride on public transit alone, “Ride it with them! It’s a great experience for both the parent and the teen. The teens seem to have no issue navigating the transit system.”
Phoebe Sullivan with the YMCA's teen program agrees, this partnership gives teens independence, along with security.
"We'll support them and help them grow into leaders and build their confidence, as well as giving them hands on experience as to what it's like to be a young adult,” Sullivan said.
They added, the collaboration with HRT boosts accessibility to the YMCA even further, explaining, “They're able to get here independently and actually come when they want to come without having to rely on transportation.”
If you missed Saturday’s sign up, applications for the Student Freedom Pass and free teen memberships are available on the organizations’ respective websites.