This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Y For All: Making a Real Impact in Your Community

This column features YMCA's annual fundraising campaign.

“After being laid off from my job I found myself angry, tired, overweight and generally unhappy. Losing my job did more than take away a paycheck - it took away my sense of identity. When a family member mentioned the Y, my husband and I decided to give it a try. My daughters love coming to the Y and participating in gymnastics and Kid’s Club. My husband has lost an astounding 30 pounds and I am 15 pounds lighter, have completed my first sprint triathlon and have been doing 10Ks over the winter. In a sentence, the Y has helped my family tremendously. We are a more fit, active and happy family. Thank you!”

- Heather

Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA Member

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Last year, our Y had an impact on 1,400 deserving children, adults and families throughout our community.  We provided over $400,000 in essential Y programs and services so that all people, regardless of ability to pay, could benefit from the Y.  In these hard times, the need continues to rise.

  • The YMCA’s unemployment initiative supports current Y members while they search for work.
  • The YMCA’s Membership For All gives thousands of Y members a chance to get and stay healthy with a membership rate based on their income.
  • The YMCA is the largest provider of child care on the North Shore. Our Ys awards more than $750,000 a year to deserving families.
  • Through hundreds of Y programs like camp, swim lessons, arts programs and teen centers, our YMCA makes an impact in the lives of thousands of youth and teens with enriching programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body.
  • The YMCA has been building strong kids, strong families and strong communities for more than 150 years.

Financial assistance keeps the Y available for kids and families who need us most. We count on the generosity of our members and community to help people of all ages and from all walks of life to be more healthy, confident, connected and secure. When you give to the Y, 100% of your gift will have a meaningful, enduring impact right in your own neighborhood.

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

TO POTENTIAL

Because we believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve, the Y is for youth development. Through the Y, millions of youth today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. Y activities give our children the opportunity to become confident kids today and healthier, happier grown-ups tomorrow.

TO HEALTH

Improving our communities’ health and well-being is a priority for the Y. We help children and adults understand and value their health, and we nurture their well-being.

We offer resources and guidance to maintain or improve physical activity, health and wellness. The Y brings families closer together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, youth, adults and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater well-being for their spirit, mind and body.

TO THE FUTURE

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. The Y has been listening and responding to our communities’ most critical needs for 160 years. Whether developing skills or emotional well-being, welcoming and connecting diverse populations or advocating for healthier communities, the Y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. Across America, our staff and volunteers are kids, parents, grandparents, neighbors and local leaders who are all personally committed to understanding what our neighborhoods need. Together we can build stronger, more inclusive communities, provide support for families and promote positive change overall.

The Y uses your gift to make a meaningful, enduring impact right in your own neighborhood.

  • $50 — a child can gain new skills and confidence for one week of subsidized day camp
  • $100 — a grandmother raising her daughter’s child receives one week of after school care
  • $250 — a single dad joins the Y and visits weekly with his children for 3 months
  • $500 — a low-income family can work, knowing that Y child care is developing the foundation their preschooler needs for school
  • $1,000 — subsidizes our teen programs where teens learn important life lessons from Y role models

Please consider giving to this worthy cause that supports and promotes your community. To donate online, visit our website or stop into the Y to make a pledge.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?