News Articles

Dear Friends,

April 16^th marked one month since all branches of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts temporarily closed our doors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – one month since we last were able to see you walk through the doors and welcome you with a smile. The past few weeks have been incredibly challenging, both for our community and for the world-at-large. The enormity of the situation can truly feel overwhelming at times.

Yet the Y remains deeply committed to remaining a pillar, a strong foundation, for those who depend on our programs and services – so we adapted. We’ve offered a plethora of online resources to guarantee you can still workout from the safety of your home. With the help of our partners, the Y has organized feeding efforts to assist those in our community faced with food insecurity, distributing 3,512 meals in recent weeks across our Association. The Y continues to offer Emergency Child Care to essential workers so they can go to work, knowing their children are safe and having fun while, of course, practicing social distancing.

All of this work happens in large part because of dedicated members and donors like you. Our collective efforts remind those across our Association that they are not alone during these trying times. Your support is deeply humbling and continues to inspire us as we conduct the crucial work we accomplish each day. So on behalf of all of us at the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, thank you. Thank you for your confidence and continuing to stay with us – we look forward to seeing you at the Y soon.

Stay well,

David Connell
President & CEO

The phone calls keep coming. And beyond the crucial need for emergency child care, everyone appreciates Paula Perrier’s warm, friendly and calming voice on the other end of the line.

The Tri-Community Family Branch is one of four emergency child care programs in our Association, each providing care for up to 40 children per day. “For me,” says Paula, the Director of Child Development Services in Southbridge, “this is exactly where I belong. It gives me incredible joy to know that our Y is helping essential employees do the work that they need to do during these unprecedented and uncertain times. Having a safe, positive and fun environment gives every parent peace of mind as they leave their children in our care.”

Like Rosa – a grandmother who has custody of her 10 year-old granddaughter. She is an essential worker at a local medical manufacturing plant. Without reliable child care, her granddaughter is shuffled between neighbors’ houses or left home alone. Instead, Rosa’s granddaughter spends the day playing, reading, doing yoga and group projects – all while maintaining social distance. She also receives a healthy breakfast and lunch, and a few snacks in between.

“Most of these children are new to the Y, and it’s amazing how quickly bonds are forming,” says Paula. Today’s programming, which engages children in writing thank you messages on hearts in appreciation for the hard work of so many in our community, is delivered by a caring and compassionate group of Y educators who answered the call.

Indeed, we’re ALL doing our part.

The Annual Business Meeting will be held virtually online on April 28th at 5PM. This meeting allows for the official business of the Board of Directors, Advisory Board, Board of Governors, and Corporators to take place. Any voting required for certain activities is done during this section of the event.

The Volunteer Appreciation and Youth Achievers Graduation Event has been postponed. We look forward to being able to recognize and appreciate our amazing volunteers and youth soon.

More details and information will be available at a later date.

Annual Meeting Update Announcement 2020

Visit the Annual Meeting web page