YMCAs have been cornerstones in thousands of communities across the United States for more than 100 years. The YMCA of Greenfield has been serving Franklin County for 127 years.
You may have had your own Y experience from years ago — taking swimming lessons, going to summer camp, or playing on your first basketball team. But the Y has been doing so much more, working to solve many of the most pressing issues from times past, and now today.
The YMCA in Greenfield provides safe, quality child care to over 115 children ages 3 to 12 for 10 months out of the year, and up to 200 children every day for eight to 10 weeks every summer, allowing their parents to concentrate on their work or schooling.
The Y’s healthy living programs provide exercise, wellness and therapy classes for all ages. The doctor referred exercise program (Prescribe the Y) receives over 700 referrals per year from more than 45 primary care providers — mostly patients that have rarely, if ever, exercised on a regular basis.
Health benefits achieved through these referrals are truly amazing.
The Y is also one of the few remaining community spaces where everyone can join and feel welcome and comfortable. YMCA social responsibility projects are done by over 300 Y volunteers providing more than 3,200 hours of service per year to the Y and Franklin County. Again, everything the Y — a nonprofit charity — does is an ongoing effort to make us better as individuals, communities and as a nation.
The Y’s annual campaign, which runs through April 15, provides some of the financial aid dollars that help over 2,500 kids, adults and seniors learn, grow and thrive at our Y each year. Please give generously when contacted or send checks to: The Annual Campaign, YMCA in Greenfield, 451 Main St., Greenfield, MA 01301.
ANDREW KILLEEN
Greenfield