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Greendale Family Branch

One of our campers last week, Abdullah, had a rough start to our summer camp program. We quickly discovered that Abdullah didn’t speak much English (his primary language is Portuguese). His parent’s had requested that he and his siblings be placed in different groups so that they all could practice overcoming the language barrier. Regardless of being only six years old, Abdullah joined our older camp group called the Seekers (8 & 9 year old group), so that he wouldn’t be grouped with one of his siblings.

Confused by some of our activities, separated from his siblings and trying to overcome the language obstacle, Abdullah became overwhelmed and upset on his first day of camp. Even with great efforts from his counselors, Abdullah only spent his time with one other camper named Diego. The next day, one of his counselors, Kim Conrad, noticed that Abdulla’s only friend Diego was absent. Instantly, Kim took aside two other campers, Yaa and Anna. These two campers had been wonderful all week. Yaa and Anna were excited about our camp activities, always eager to listen, cooperate with staff and were kind to their fellow campers.  Kim informed the campers about Abdullah’s struggles and asked them to help assist her in making Abdullah have a great camp experience. Both campers were eager to help.

All day, Kim observed the campers as they took Abdullah under their wings. The girls asked him questions, ate with him, held his hand to guide him to activities, and checked up with Kim every now and then excitedly saying, “We think he’s having fun!”  It warmed Kim’s heart to see these campers reaching out so happily and selflessly, that before the day was over, she had presented each of the girls with a “Caring” Value Necklace, which they couldn’t have worn more proudly.

Boroughs Family Branch

We are for Healthy Living: Fifty YMCA Active Older Adults headed to Boston with Fox Tours for a lovely day cruising the Charles.  These seniors are regulars at our Cardio Circuit, MSROM and Senior Cycling classes.  In addition to their normal exercise routines, they all seem to find a little time to socialize over coffee while they are here at the Y.  The beauty of this trip was that it allowed members to connect on a more relaxed level – without the sense of urgency to rush off to their normal class.   Some of the members brought guests including family members.   Their adult children particularly enjoyed getting a chance to meet the staff who spends so much time keeping their parents healthy and active.  One daughter even joked that it was nice to get to know Kristen, the instructor who keeps her mother’s legs so strong!  It was a nice opportunity to relax with old friends while connecting with new ones.

At the Y we believe in building the health and well-being of our members and community.  It is enjoyable when we can take time out of our busy days to become better acquainted and be grateful for the wonderful relationships that exist at the Y.

Greendale Family Branch

Our Business Office has the pleasure of working with many parents in our Schools’ Out program. What makes these relations vital is the sense of comfort we create for parents to address their need for assistance, especially those who are facing hardship in these tough economic times.

Just recently, a single mother of two children, who is responsible for all expenses at home, expressed just how hard it was to financially afford her kids to attend such an amazing after school program. Jane had been paying full price for the School’s Out program for over 3 years until she was handed an application after explaining her hardship. Upon process, she was awarded 30% off childcare care/camp. This summer she plans to send her boys to camp one week, something she could not have done in the past.

Unfortunately, Jane is not alone.  Ely, a grandparent who has been raising his granddaughter had concern about his ability to pay on time.  He too applied and was granted a scholarship. His granddaughter Victoria will continue with Schools Out.

These two families are a small fraction of the many that we continue to provide care for with the Y Access Program.  Our doors are open to any individual or family that is facing financial hardships.  Our Y focuses on creating relationships with all our members and participants, so that they are comfortable approaching us.  Often times the business office looks like the hero, but the hero is all of us: volunteers, employees, board members, association center, and directors that continue to build relationships while raising money to support the YMCA’s Mission of helping all people regardless of their ability to pay.

Boroughs Family Branch

The day began with our annual Recycling event. We brought in a group who recycles more or less anything with a cord! People from the area, members and non-members alike, were able to bring all of their old appliances, scrap metal, electronic equipment and other household items – for no cost – and have them recycled in a socially responsible manner.  We also invited in a group who set up a booth and produced Child ID kits, which included finger prints, pictures and other very useful information. These kits are used in the event that a child might go missing, and they meet Federal guidelines should the pictures or fingerprints ever need to be circulated.

Montachusetts Community Branch

Central Community Branch

… three members of the MultiSport Team ran the Boston Marathon.  Raquel Crea, Amy Sciannameo, and Nicole Sabatini raised over $8,000 for their charities, the Angel Fund (ALS), Beacon of Hope Cancer Care Fund, and the MA Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired … and were unable to finish their race.  While the experience was life-changing they are proud of their accomplishment, remain committed to their charities and will run again.  We’re for Social Responsibility.

Boroughs Family Branch

We are for Youth Development…Young and old alike joined together this past Thursday at the YMCA Center for Child Development- Westborough. The center’s annual Grandparent’s Day gathered more than 45 grandparents to share in their grandchildren’s child care experience. Breakfast was served and each child had the opportunity to show their classroom, cubby and art work. The grandparents were delighted at the opportunity to be able to spend this quality time with their grandchildren. Laughter and smiles filled the center and at departure time each received a potted plant with the outside decorated by the children.

Greendale Family Branch

This Membership impact story comes from the inspiring Glenn Powell. This early morning Greendale Y member for over 5 years, comes in to enjoy aquatic exercises and swim laps 3 times a week.  Glenn says he loves coming in and feeling so welcomed by the morning Welcome center staff, like he ‘belongs’ here.

Glenn is a wheel chair bound Veteran Marine who was injured in the Vietnam War.  His Morning swim energizes him throughout the day- and feels such a difference on the days he frequents.  Glenn also reports amazing health benefits since starting his membership with us; he struggles with arthritis and diabetes, both of which have ‘got much more manageable’  he says,  after losing 20lbs.

Glenn talks about how grateful he is to enjoy all our Y has to offer through our Y-Access program, without out it he would have not be as healthy as he is.  Glenn is a joy to see in the mornings and is an inspiration to all of us.

Montachusetts Community Branch

When I first got custody of my grandchildren they were very scared little children.  They were kept in the house with the shades and curtains drawn all day, they barely spoke and were scared of everyone. She had a full time job so taking on the 4 grandchildren would mean some juggling of childcare.  The 4 children came to the YMCA over a year ago and have thrived in the preschool and school age settings. Between the love they received from their grandparents and the love and care they receive from the YMCA these children are now thriving.  They are active, healthy and sociable children.  The grandmother said “ It does take a village to raise children”  We at the YMCA are part of that village!