Red Cross Partners with Amway to Provide Babysitter’s Training at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 28, 2013 – The Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids has partnered with Amway to provide Babysitter’s Training at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth.

The classes will be provided to youth ages 11-15 in Grand Rapids at the following times and locations:

• Tuesday, April 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  Seidman Club, 139 Croftmon
• Wednesday, April 3, 9 a.m.  – 4 p.m.
  Paul I. Phillips Club, 726 Madison SE
• Thursday, April 4, 9 a.m. -4 p.m.
  Steil Club, 235 Straight Ave NW

Babysitter’s Training typically costs $85 per student. Thanks to the generosity of Amway and the Amway One by One Campaign for Children, about 40 young people will receive valuable Babysitter’s Training free of charge.

Babysitting is often the first job for many teens and pre-teens. Babysitter’s training provides teens with valuable practical skills on how to confidently provide safe and meaningful child care and, if needed, how to handle emergency situations. It is also a great first step to learn entrepreneurial and career development skills. Amway is proud to partner with the Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids on this valuable community program and to continue Amway’s 50 year tradition of supporting West Michigan organizations that improve our local community and help its people live better lives.

Visit redcross.org/take-a-class to view babysitting classes offered by location and register online.

For more information on how to give, get trained or get involved with the American Red Cross, visit: redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at blog.redcross.org.       

About Amway:
Amway is one of the world's largest direct selling businesses. Alticor Inc., parent company of Amway, reported global sales of USD$11.3 billion in 2012. Founded in 1959 by entrepreneurs Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel, and based in Ada, Michigan, U.S., Amway offers consumer products and business opportunities through a network of more than 3 million distributors in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide, supported by a regionalized agribusiness, manufacturing and logistics supply chain. More than 900 scientists, engineers and technical professionals work in 65 R&D and quality assurance labs worldwide to support the company's product development and create a culture of scientific excellence. Top-selling brands for Amway are NUTRILITE™ vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, ARTISTRY™ skincare and colour cosmetics, and eSpring™ water treatment systems. The company provides product development, manufacturing and logistics services through its Access Business Group. For company news, visit globalnews.amway.com.

About Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth:

Founded in 1938 by Grand Rapids Superintendent of Police Frank O’Malley, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth engages youth in building positive and meaningful relationships with police officers, staff and adults through programs in the areas of recreation, education, leadership development, healthy life skills, arts, education and positive community services.  Boys & Girls Clubs offer programs and services that promote and enhance development by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.