Community Link 5/7 INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Each week on Community Link, Carolene Mays takes a look at an organization or business that is making a positive impact on the community. This week, Mays was joined by Justin Armstrong from AYS, the largest after school program in central Indiana. Armstrong said AYS was started back in 1980, with a goal to ensure safe after school care for working parents with children. When asked what makes the program unique, Armstrong said “what it looks like is not important, it’s what it feels like. It feels like home. “When the child is done with their school and comes into our program, we ask them how their day went, and respond appropriately. A hug, a high five, words of affirmation, maybe just listening.” Armstrong explained that on top of the children doing homework and playing with their friends, the program offers enrichment opportunities such as sport programs and art and music classes. AYS offers resources to help parents, including vouchers from federal and state programs and a sliding fee scale that goes up to 200% of poverty. “We pour a lot of effort and energy into making sure that financially, our programs are accessible,” Armstrong said. ...read more read less