Support positive change.

I work for the Y because I believe deeply in the work we do. I’ve been fortunate to be a small part of YMCA programs that change lives. What I value the most is that we do this for children and families who need it most in our community.

Here are a some of the things we work for that I’m particularly proud of:
– The Y is ensuring that children are equipped with the academic and social skills
needed to build a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.
– The Y is tackling summer learning loss.
– The Y is giving teens the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can
achieve.
– The Y provides families opportunities to connect and share every day.
– The Y is finding proactive solutions to some of our most difficult health challenges
like youth obesity, diabetes prevention, living with cancer, tobacco use, cardiac
rehab and healthy eating.
– The Y is teaching children how to swim while building their confidence and making
them safe.

As we all know, many worthwhile causes are in need of our support. But the Y stands apart from the rest. Here are some reasons why:
– Our Y provides $23M in free or subsidized services annually
– In 2011, 80,000 children and teens were nurtured and inspired to do their best
– 65% of all members at our Y receive financial assistance
– $0.95 of every dollar donated goes directly to supporting youth and families.

With continued high unemployment and steep budget cuts to state and local health and education programs, Y programs are critical for the future of our community. With your support and generosity, we can continue to address these and other pressing issues – and expand the Y’s work to reach more people.

Please join me in supporting children and helping to make a difference in our community.