Y’s 2016 Annual Campaign — The Y’s 2016 Annual Campaign will be March 31 to April 15. The goal is to raise $150,000 to provide some of the financial aid that over 2,500 kids, adults and seniors need each year to participate in programs that strengthen their minds, bodies and spirits. Every dollar donated to the Y in Greenfield, a nonprofit charity, stays local and has a lasting impact on the people of Franklin County. Donations can be sent to Annual Campaign, YMCA, 451 Main St, Greenfield MA 01301 or use the “donate” button at ymcaingreenfield.org.
Child Mental Health Course — The YMCA in Greenfield in conjunction with licensed social worker Garry L. Earles, will be offering a five-class course on child and adolescent mental health conditions and accompanying issues. The program will benefit parents, grandparents, public and private school educators, school auxiliary personnel, social workers and day care providers according to organizers. On Thursday, April 14 from 6:45 to 9 p.m., there will be a free public forum to introduce the topics that will be presented for the next five Thursdays, April 21 to May 19 from 6:45 to 9 p.m. The 12-hour course (which includes credit for the public forum) is only $125. To register for the free public forum on April 14 or the five week course please do so in person at the Y or by calling the Y at 413-773-3646, ext. 0.
Summer Childcare — The YMCA has put together many exciting day camps for children ages 3.5 to 14. Children can choose from traditional outdoor Camp Apex with four two-week sessions plus two one-week sessions. Camp Apex will operate 10 weeks to provide several weeks of fun or a whole summer of childcare. Apex also has ten specialty camps for ages 8 to 14 that range from Star Wars to Wilderness Camp. At the YMCA campers can choose from eight weeks of Gymnastics Camp (ages 3.5 to 14), two weeks of Parkour Camp (ages 8 to 14) or two weeks of Super Hero Training for 4 to 7 year olds. Sport camps meet in the air conditioned gym with nine weeks to choose from ranging from basketball to Olympics to flag football. The Y also offers early care from 6:15 to 9 a.m. and late care from 4 to 6 p.m. Go to “Camps” at ymcaingreenfield.org for more details or call Dave at 773-3646 ext 436.
Doctor Referral Exercise Program — The Y’s doctor referred 12-week wellness program formerly known as Exercise is Medicine has a new name, it is “Prescribe the Y.” This program has helped hundreds of people heal or deal with their health issues and/or start a regular exercise program. Only the name has changed, not the programs format. Any primary care provider can refer their patients for a free consultation with a Y fitness specialist. The patient chooses one of the five tracks that will meet their health needs. Y staff follows each person during the 12 weeks to encourage them to exercise every week. There is a post-program meeting to measure and discuss health changes and decide the next step to take to continue to get healthier. The recommendation from a primary care provider proves to be a very important part in helping participants complete this program. The program fee is $109 with financial aid available to cover up to 70 percent of this fee.
Adult Ballroom Dancing — Every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. the Y provides ballroom, swing and more dancing. The dance is held in a private room with soft lighting and quality sound system. The instructor is available to help with new dance steps. The nights are free for Y members and $5 per person for all others. No partner is needed; please wear soft-soled shoes.
Sliding Fee Scale/Financial Aid — The YMCA is a nonprofit charity that provides financial aid to qualified youth, adults and families for all membership categories and programs. The sliding fee scale can cover up to 70 percent of the normal fee. The scale is based on household size and total household gross income. Financial aid forms and sliding fee scale can be found on the Y’s website ymcaingreenfield.org or picked up at the YMCA. There is a $10 processing fee due at time of submitting paperwork.
Chronic Pain — Fifty percent of people have some sort of chronic pain that affects their lives. The YMCA has many programs that can help people heal or deal with their pain; programs like 13 yoga classes, 6 balance/stretch classes, 2 osteoporosis classes, 2 Tai Chi classes and 1 meditation class each week which are all included with a Y membership. In addition, the Y also offer 12 water therapy classes each week which have Y Member and Program Associate fees. See “Brochure” at ymcaingreenfield.org for details or call 773-3646, ext. 0.