The YMCA, a nonprofit charity serving Franklin County. Some people call us a gym, others think of the Y as a senior center, a child care center, a family center, a wellness center, a youth center, etc. The Y is many things to many people. In fact in 2015, more than 10,500 people participated in at least one Y program and/or were facility members; over 30 percent of these people received financial aid to participate. Just to put the YMCA in Greenfield’s reach into perspective, three other western Mass. YMCAs provided a combined total of $405,000 in financial aid in 2015 to their communities while our Y provided just over $450,000 for Franklin County youth, adults and seniors.
I have been a full-time YMCA program director/manager/executive director at three different Y’s for more than 43 years. I know that the Y is a nonprofit charity like no other. I see the impact the Y staff has on children, adults and families who walk through our doors every day. But what I am most proud of is that the Y — our Y — your Y — is for everyone. Regardless of age, ability, background, education or financial means, our Y reaches out to and nurtures the potential of all people.
Our Y/Your Y is totally funded by Franklin County people except for the state voucher money we earn by operating a state licensed preschool and before/after school child care center serving 115 children per day, 50 weeks per year even on snow days. Our funds come from membership dues, class fees as small as $5 per week per lesson and donations. The $450,000 in financial aid we provide is not money we hand out but revenue we don’t receive because 30 to 50 percent of our participants pay less than full price. Between what we raise and what the United Way of Franklin County provides us, we have a financial aid funding gap of $225,000-plus each year.
When you donate to the Y in Greenfield you make Franklin County better through programs focused on three areas.
Youth Development: All kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve under the guidance of caring adults who believe in their potential. We see every interaction with young people as an opportunity for learning and development; all grounded in the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, be it in gymnastics or swim lessons, Y summer camps, child care or our Teen Leaders program. Thousands of kids each year become stronger in mind, body and spirit because of their Y involvement.
Healthy Living: We help people and families build and maintain healthy habits in their everyday lives. By helping kids, adults, families and seniors from all walks of life improve their health and well-being, we build a stronger community. For decades, the Y in Greenfield has been providing wellness/therapy programs for people who wouldn’t or couldn’t go anywhere else to improve their health. In fact, our focus is on helping the unfit get healthier. Our 6-year-old “Prescribe the Y” program, formally known as Exercise is Medicine, receives over 700 patient referrals each year from over 45 primary care providers. Our Y provides the health care model of the future right here in Franklin County.
Social Responsibility: With our doors open to all, we bring together people from all backgrounds and support those who need us most. We take on the most urgent needs in our community and inspire a spirit of service in return. Our members, volunteers, supporters and staff demonstrate the power of what we can achieve by giving back together. In 2015, over 300 Y members donated over 3,200 hours collecting/serving food for the needy, running a free clothing store in November, adopting 14 families during the holidays and helping fill school book bags for the United Way of Franklin County.
April 1-15 we will be conducting our 2016 annual campaign to raise the charitable funds needed to address the issues that concern you. Every dollar donated to the Y in Greenfield, a nonprofit charity, stays local and has a lasting impact on the people of Franklin County. This campaign helps over 2,500 lower income youth and adults live healthier and happier lives. It enables kids to have a safe place to be after school and during summer camp. It helps doctor referred participants to finally get healthier. It provides seniors with opportunities to connect with others and get stronger so they can live independently for as long as possible.
Yes, you know the challenges we face in Franklin County but just like the Y, you see the opportunity to make a difference. If you are contacted by a Y volunteer please make a pledge; if not, please send your tax deductible donation to YMCA in Greenfield, Attn: Annual Campaign, 451 Main St., Greenfield MA 01301 or go to ymcaingreenfield.org and use the donate button.
The Y. For a better you. For a better community. For a better us.
Bob Sunderland is executive director of the YMCA in Greenfield.