As everyday essentials become more expensive for West Michigan families, The Salvation Army Kroc Center is taking steps to reduce costs for members to participate in everything it has to offer, from fitness classes to swim lessons, educational programming and much more.
While the Kroc has always offered a scholarship program, the Center recently moved all memberships to an income-based sliding scale model. Families who bring in a copy of their most recent federal tax return can receive anywhere from a 10% to 50% discount on standard pricing. Recent U.S. Census data suggests that roughly half of Kent County households may qualify for one of these discounted rate plans.
Additionally, single adult membership rates have not increased at the Kroc Center in five years – and the Kroc also just reduced the cost for a monthly teen membership (ages 12-17). That’s not to mention the more than 2,000 older adults who receive free basic access to the Kroc Center through third-party insurance programs.
“We did a community needs study recently that identified cost as a potential barrier for families, especially in the neighborhoods closest to the Kroc Center,” said Major Carol Huffman, senior Kroc officer. “So, we’ve really challenged our teams to be creative in improving access for the community, and we’re already seeing positive results from those efforts.”
To make it even easier for families to join during the Christmas and New Year seasons, the Kroc is waiving the $25 initial registration fee on all new memberships for a limited time. This started Nov. 25. All members who receive an income-based discount will be automatically qualified for a new grant program that will provide six-week sessions of learn-to-swim programming for only $10 per person. These $10 Swim Lessons are provided by grants from the American Red Cross and USA Swimming Foundation. Space is limited, and availability is subject to change as funding allows.
Non-members may participate in open recreation time at the Kroc Center once again as day passes are now available after a long hiatus during the COVID pandemic.
Anyone looking to take advantage of these or other programs is encouraged to visit the Kroc Center website, GrKrocCenter.org.
