Giving Rye: Meet Kids’ S.P.A.C.E. of Rye
Giving Rye is a new occasional feature highlighting non-profits and community groups in and around the City of Rye. Today meet Lauren Collins of Kids’ S.P.A.C.E. of Rye.
Your Name: Lauren Collins
Organization: Kids’ S.P.A.C.E. of Rye
Your role: Director
MyRye.com: Tell us your organization’s mission.
Collins: Our mission is to provide an affordable and reliable, high-quality program of childcare and enrichment. The program is supervised by a qualified and nurturing staff, in a safe and secure environment, with a variety of activities to appeal to boys and girls.
How long have you operated in Rye?
Collins:
Kids’ S.P.A.C.E. opened in September 1994. We are celebrating our 30th year of service to the community.
What programming or work in Rye is the organization best known for?
Collins: Kids’ S.P.A.C.E. is best known for providing flexible, affordable and reliable school aged childcare to Rye City students.
- Our Before School Program or “Breakfast Club” offers drop off as early as 7AM at Osborn School. Transportation to each elementary school and a warm breakfast is included.
- Our After School Program takes place from 3PM- 6PM school days. It includes transportation to our program site at Osborn School from Midland and Milton Schools as well as a healthy snack, homework assistance and opportunities for structured and unstructured play time.
Looking forward to 2025, what will be your top initiatives?
Collins: Our goal is always to provide the highest quality school age care at an affordable rate.
- Continue to partner and collaborate with the Rye City School District and other community organizations to ensure that we are giving Rye students and their families the support that is needed.
- Seek out additional funding sources, so that we can continue to provide scholarships to families that may have trouble paying tuition.
- Continue our tradition of having a strong and diverse board of directors made up of parents, educators and community members.
Tell us about the population you serve and how they can get involved with your programming and services.
Collins: We serve elementary students who are eligible to attend Rye City Schools. We provide children with a home away from home environment, before and after school and give working families peace of mind.
Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profit with tax exempt status?
Collins: Yes
Looking back across 2024, what were your organization’s top achievements?
Collins: Going back to before 2024, we are proud to have been open during hybrid learning due to Covid. We partnered with the school district and provided space and support for remote learning for parents who needed to work outside the home. During the past 2-3 years, we have built back our enrollment and have retained our staff. Enrollment continues to grow and surpass prior numbers.
How can local residents support your organization?
Collins: Financial support is always greatly appreciated and utilized. As a user funded, not for profit organization, we rely on grants and donations to help us fund scholarships, provide enrichment programs and keep tuition affordable. Individuals who are willing to serve on our board are always needed as well as high school volunteers seeking community service hours. We welcome donations of art supplies, games and certain sports equipment.
What local Rye residents and area businesses have been the longest, steadiest supporters of your organization?
Collins: The Rye City School District: Dr. Byrne, The administration, principals, teachers and the custodians provide us with tremendous support and value the service that Kids’ S.P.A.C.E. provides.
The Rye YMCA has generously provided us office space and a partnership to offset transportation costs. We have a very supportive working relationship.
We enjoy support from so many past board members including our “founding mothers” as well as community leaders and local government officials.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Collins: This is my 25th year at Kids’ S.P.A.C.E. I spent 3 years as office manager and the last 23 as Director.
Is the role full time or part time? Paid or volunteer?
Collins: Full time
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Collins: Dedicated.
Where did you grow up?
Collins: I grew up in Yorktown Heights, NY. I have lived in Rye for the past 35 years.
What is your favorite unimportant thing about you?
Collins: I love to listen to Audible books. I have a crazy little dog named Maria.
If the next five years is a chapter in your life, what is this chapter about?
Collins: The next five years is about building on the things that make Kids’ S.P.A.C.E unique and passing it on for the next generation. Personally, it is about enjoying time with my husband and family including my first grandson. I also hope to carve out more time with friends.
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Collins: I have lived on Garden Drive in Rye since 1994.
Thanks Lauren!
Learn more:
Donate. (also Zelle to [email protected])
