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YMCA employee named Afterschool Ambassador By Kevin Opsahl Apr 07, 2022 12:00 AM A A Andy Atkinson / Mail TribuneCrystal Ehlig (left) and Katlynn Guevarra hand out snacks to students part of the after school program at Mae Richardson Elementary School in Central Point. Crystal Ehlig was named by a national group as one of 17 YMCA employees who will help shape policy around after-school programming this year It was a beautiful, sunny Thursday afternoon at Mae Richardson Elementary in Central Point when Crystal Ehlig, of the Rogue Valley Family YMCA, sat down on the playground with students over Juicy Juice and graham cracker teddy bears with a dipping cup of nut-free peanut butter. As the local YMCA’s youth development campus connection program director, whose job is to facilitate after-school programming, Ehlig feels sharing a meal with youngsters is among her most important responsibilities. “One of them was making up a story about living in the shipping container that’s next to us,” Ehlig said with a laugh, pointing to the large object on the playground. “We were using our imagination and wondering what that would be like.” Imagination aside, the YMCA employee and mother of four said snack time is “a good time to check in and see that they’re in a good spirit, which sets the tone for the rest of the afternoon.” Ehlig has been selected by the Afterschool Alliance to serve as an “Afterschool Ambassador” this year — one of 17 leaders in the country chosen for the honor this year. Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant said in a news release she was “thrilled” Ehlig agreed to the ambassadorship, while noting the program’s importance in the midst of the pandemic. “The after-school community has a vital role to play in helping everyone recover lost ground,” Grant stated. “That will require support of all kinds, and we need strong advocates who know their communities to lead the charge.” Ambassadors serve for one year, creating more awareness and support for after-school and summer learning programs by organizing events, talking to lawmakers and community members. Because of the pandemic, Ehlig said her interactions with many officials will be virtual, but she’ll still get to persuade people such as governors on the importance of after-school activities. The opportunity came about after Ehlig’s boss heard from the Afterschool Alliance, which wanted to know whether there was someone in his organization who would be interested in applying to the Ambassador program. “I was like, ‘Sure, I’ll put in an application — that sounds amazing to be able to be engaged at a national level,’” Ehlig said, adding she was surprised she was the only Oregonian selected. “The 17 of us will be working together and creating some meetings with governors and their staff, trying to get the word out about why after-school programming is important and good for youth development.” Next fall, a “Lights On Afterschool” event will be held locally, bringing parents, kids and policymakers together to support after-school programs, according to Ehlig. Her term as Ambassador, she notes, is not a long time. “It’s kind of a whirlwind,” Ehlig said, noting she could be involved with the Afterschool Alliance after her term ends. When asked what she hopes to impart through her ambassadorship, Ehlig hopes people see what activities after school really do. “After-school programming is more than just babysitting — it’s a program and it has developed into helping to grow well-rounded kids,” she said. “I think it's important.” Her ambassadorship might help the local YMCA, too. “Through networking, I’m able to learn what other programs are doing and think, ‘Oh, how can I use that in my programming? How can I change what we do to make things even better?” Ehlig said. “I’m excited for the ambassadorship program. I think I have a lot to learn, so I think that’s going to be fun and exciting.” Brad Russell, executive director of the Rogue Valley Family YMCA, said it’s a special opportunity for his workplace to be recognized through a national organization like the Afterschool Alliance. He said the program recognizes the expertise the Southern Oregon region has when it comes to after-school programming — and that includes Ehlig’s work. “Crystal is very humble. My guess is that she will have a harder time answering questions with you today,” Russell said. “However, I’m really proud Crystal has adapted throughout this pandemic, shifting to emergency child care and then shifting back to traditional programming like we are right now.” Katlynn Guevarra, a child care teacher at the Medford YMCA, was among those staff members on hand at Mae Richardson Elementary Thursday to lead children through after-school programming. She praised Ehlig, her supervisor, whom she has known for two years. “She is like a mom to me — she understands me better than anyone else at the YMCA,” Guevarra said. “I’ve grown a lot here because of her. I’ve become a better person and a better lead.” She had not heard of the ambassadorship program, but was not surprised Ehlig won the honor. “I can definitely see her doing that, for sure,” Guevarra said. “That’s awesome for her, I’m happy for her. She’s the type of person that people look up to.” The ambassadorship program may allow Ehlig to talk to people in higher places and who live in other places, but she still has a soft spot for her workplace. “I’ve told almost every applicant that comes into the YMCA when I’m interviewing them, ‘I can’t imagine a better place to be other than here at the YMCA,’” Ehlig said. Reach reporter Kevin Opsahl at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @KevJourno.