Last week all of Traditional and Wee Wuns Camps at the Greendale Branch were invited to a play at the Bancroft school across the street. With Nancy Boland’s help the arrangements were made that all 104 children would go on a walking field trip to attend the school’s theatre group play entitled Cinderella. Sue asked if the older campers in the Seeker and Adventurers camps could buddy up with a young child from the Wee Wuns group. The older campers were very excited to be given this awesome responsibility. They took this responsibility very seriously and were excited to become a role model for these children. The children responded enthusiastically that they were “friends” with a big kid. The trip was a huge success and the older campers expressed “how cool” it was to be given this opportunity.

This activity emphasized the need to work together and be responsible for each other. All of the “chaperones” received kindness coins for their willingness to help others in a mature, responsible manner. When asked what they thought of assisting a younger camper the reply was, “that was cool”. It was a “win, win” situation for all.

Central Community Branch

… we were able to ease the burden of a family visiting Worcester.  They weren’t here on vacation; they are staying in Worcester because one of their children has cancer and receives treatment in the city.  What do parents do, in a strange city, spending all their time in hospitals – with the sick child’s sibling?  Do THEY spend all day in hospital waiting rooms?  NO!  That’s where the Y and the Notre Dame Pediatric Palliative Care Program come together.  Notre Dame PPC is a not-for-profit agency providing care to terminally ill children and the Central Community Branch is the “camp option” for siblings of children battling cancer.  Through the YMCA’s Annual Fund we are able to provide scholarships to these families – and this week Suelena, aged 5, had the opportunity to “just be a kid” for a while.  We’re for Social Responsibility.

Boroughs Family Branch

We are for Healthy Living: The second LiveSTRONG group has begun with six new cancer survivors participating.  Everyone is enthusiastic to learn about the benefit of physical activity and excited to have the support of staff and peers.

One woman has shown exceptional strength and heart in their short time together.  This woman has had cancer for a few years and the disease is still very active in her body.  Her treatment has been hard and has affected her mobility to the point where on most days she has trouble making it to the end of her driveway to gather her mail. In spite of these challenges she is determined to improve her body physically and emotionally through the LiveSTRONG program.  During her wellness orientation she came in determined as ever and walked a mile on the indoor track which she hasn’t done in years.

She continues to persevere and push forward as she has many goals left to accomplish. Her top two focuses are to attend some important family functions over the next year, to get to walk in the Jimmy Fund walk in September and simply to feel better and stronger.  She has been an inspiration to everyone in the group in the short time they have been meeting, her strength and that of the other participants is amazing and when you couple that with the passion of the folks working with the survivors each week you can see a definitive impact.

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.

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

… 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!

When Bruno Ferrari joined the Y, he had one goal – to recover from the massive stroke he had endured in November 2012.  He first met Brandi Jacobs who directed him and his wife to Danielle Trubia to discuss personal training options.  Little did Brandi know Danielle had suffered a mini stroke a year prior.  Bruno and Danielle worked together immediately, 4 days per week, in order to help him regain his strength, his balance, but most importantly, his confidence.  Bruno holds a high position within a foreign government agency and was used to being busy and active.  After he suffered his stroke, Bruno was left with little mobility on his left side and felt quite lost.  Bruno often discussed his fear of never recovering with Danielle, who only kept his spirits high through her sharing of her recovery stories and her persistent guidance and positive spirit.

After only 4 weeks together, Bruno’s doctors were impressed by his physical improvements and cut down his physical and occupational therapy sessions by half.  They felt comfortable relying on the Y to guide him down the proper path to a full recovery.   Once he felt more confident and comfortable, Danielle suggested the Burdenko water therapy led by Gaye Robinson.  Bruno accepted this suggestion and till this day continues to work with both trainers multiple days per week.  The gains made by this man have been absolutely incredible; his physicians, wife and also Bruno are so impressed with the progress he has made at the Y.  Both Gaye and Danielle have been touched by this family and their strength through such a terrible tragedy, but are so empowered to help yet another Y member re-gain the life they once had and completely deserve back!

Central Community Branch

the YMCA’s Annual Campaign received a special gift.  A new member (who joined less than a month ago) was asked to donate to the Annual Campaign.  His response was as wonderful as it was surprising.  He asked how much it would cost to send a child to Camp and we told him it was $150/week.  Expecting a generous $150 donation, we were overwhelmed to receive a $1,350 donation – $150 for all 9 weeks of camp.  What an impact that will have on a child this summer.  We’re for Social Responsibility.

Boroughs Family Branch

We are for Healthy Living: We love mail especially when it’s fan mail from an unsuspecting member in appreciation for the things we do on a daily basis. Ruth took the time to write us a handwritten note to let us know how much she appreciates SilverSneakers® Cardio Circuit and Cardio Fit classes. Last fall not only did Ruth break her ankle but was also diagnosed with breast cancer. “After surgery I knew I had to exercise, in particular my upper body, to prevent lymphedema. I am 63 and thought I was too young for SilverSneakers®. I was wrong! It challenged my cardiovascular system and allowed me to protect my ankle while it healed. I am now a real fan of the program. I hope you keep this going and recommend it for younger folks (50+) who are put off by the ‘chair’.” Ruth never shared this story with us until now but her note reminds us that each of our members have their own story and are here for different reasons. We may not know them all but it makes us see how important it is to help people on their path to healthy living!

Bill joined the Y just two days after moving to Fitchburg.  He joined the Y for not only the vast array of fitness programs, but for the activities available for his children.  The Y had everything Bill and his family needed from fitness classes to time spent at Camp Lowe.  Years have passed and Bill is now a grandfather.  He has decided that his grandchildren need the same Y experience.  At 4 years of age, Bill’s granddaughter has her own membership and has begun swim lessons.  Bill is passing on his Y experience to the generations to come and hopefully they will enjoy all the Y has to offer too.

Central Community Branch

… the Wellness Staff are offering “mini clinics,” quick 15 impromptu workouts for members in the Wellness Center to give them an introduction to personal training and group exercise.  As a staff member recruited people for a clinic yesterday, he realized three women didn’t speak English (and he didn’t speak Spanish).  The staff person found a solution in another member – who DID speak Spanish.  He asked her to participate and translate, and she agreed.  It was a win-win-win situation.  The translating member (who wasn’t going to do the mini-clinic) did it and loved it; the members who needed translating were so appreciative and thankful for the attention – they were beaming; and the staff person made connections he hadn’t even expected.  When the clinic was over, the members stayed together, talking about the classes and programs and are on the way to becoming friends.  We’re for Healthy Living.

Greendale Family Branch

Our story this week is from our School’s Out Department. During a full day of care, last Friday, March 29^th, we all witnessed a very unique moment as four boys bonded through a game of catch.

Brian Anderson was the first to observe the four boys ages 5, 8, 9 and 12 playing catch in the main gym. He watched as the youngest boy, Nicholas was struggling to throw the football back to the other boys. Before Brian had a chance to assist him, Kevin, the 9 years old, ran over to Nicholas and took the time to show him how to throw the ball properly. The other two boys, Jonah and Rome waited patiently while Nicholas was learning how to throw for the first time.

Once Nicholas was able to throw, all four boys separated once again, but this time they didn’t throw the ball to each other, but decided to only throw the ball to Nicholas to allow him to improve his catching and throwing skills.

When Nicholas’s mother came to pick him up, she witnessed Nicholas practicing his newly learned football skills. The mother was grinning from ear to ear as she explained to Nancy Boland how she is a single mother and that Nicholas has no male figure in his life. She was ecstatic when Nancy told her how the other boys took the time to show him how to catch and throw the football.

We are proud that these young School’s Out participants are showing the true meaning of “Caring” to each other.  These young boys that helped Nicholas might not be able to comprehend the impact that they made that day, but we know that Nicholas and his mother will never forget it.

Boroughs Family Branch

We are for Social Responsibility… During Friday’s Cut & Color with Christie, more than 20 3-5 yr olds kicked off the Boroughs Branch “What do you stand for?” Flamingo Month of Giving for the Annual Campaign by creating fabulous flamingo crafts.  The children designed natural, lush wetland settings, then glued on flamingos and thought bubbles reading “This is who I am and this is what I stand for…”  Though the projects were creative and beautiful, the most interesting aspect was the response to “what do I stand for?”  One boy in particular had an initial response of “sports” but when considering what he loves more than anything else his answer became “family.”  Other wonderful responses included “playing outdoors with my mother at my house”, “God”, “my sister” and the comical response “popcorn”.  Following the event,  the children were challenged to tour the entire Y, every department, and find the 6 hidden flamingos…peaking from behind the Studio 22 bookcase, peering over the Aquatics director’s desk, big “Fernando the Running Flamingo” in the lobby among others!  Parents, it’s time to purchase your flamingos!  Last Flamingo Floating is coming!

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT – nurturing the potential of every child and teen

Pedro is a 7 year old who enrolled in the 7-9 year old basketball league at the Central Community Branch.  Those “Big” kids were a little too much for him and he was discouraged to the point of quitting.  The Y staff switched him to a younger group (more his size and ability) and he agreed to try it one more week.  What a difference a week made.  With the help of his teammates (who knew he was desperate for his first basket and kept passing him the ball) he took a shot in this week’s game – and MADE it.  He went on to make another shot from the free throw line.  This may seem like a small thing, but to Pedro it was the accomplishment of a lifetime.

Ali is a high school student and considered one of the very best coaches and Kid Zone Counselors at the Boroughs Family Branch.  Each week, Ali comes up with new and exciting ways to keep kids engaged and constantly learning.  His supervisor receives positive feedback from the families involved in his programs.  For such a young man, Ali is far beyond his years in his ability to lead. Before beginning to work with families, Ali didn’t have much experience in leadership.  Now, he develops exciting lesson plans on his own AND teaches programs that keep families registering for his classes.  In one email Ali sent to his supervisor, he ends with: “Also I just wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to coach these wonderful children. I have learned so much from them and have gained a lot of experience to interact and communicate with them. Also, the amount of compliments I get from the parents are outrageous and amazing. Thanks so much!”  We often hear about the positive influence our coaches have on our program participants.  Today, we see a perfect example of how the YMCA gives our youth the outlet to develop into bright, confident leaders.

Arriana attended Camp Lowe in the summer of 2012. Arriana overcame numerous obstacles while attending camp.  She was afraid to swim and was very shy. After attending camp, Arriana’s mom saw her excitement when she came home. She enjoyed all activities and especially making new friends. She can’t wait to attend camp this summer! Great news as camp sign ups have just begun.

HEALTHY LIVING – improving the nation’s health and well-being

Ellen came to the Central Community Branch to present a workshop on “Conquering Sugar.”  She planned to volunteer, help people move in a healthier direction, and offer some support.  What she didn’t expect was the way coming to the Y would change HER.  She was so inspired by the people she met at the workshop that she joined the Y on the spot.  In her first week Ellen has started to take group exercise classes, made new friends and challenged what she thought she knew about herself.  Ellen thought she was going to transform people, and was transformed herself, in the process.

In partnership with Framingham State University, the Boroughs Family Branch has an intern working in the Wellness Center. Jimmy is a senior in the nutrition program at the University and is also seeking his personal training certification. Jimmy’s background includes being a Resident Assistant to other students in on-campus housing and he also has supervised the fitness center at the school. While he is at the Branch, Jimmy takes the time to meet members and talk to them about his training in nutrition. Jimmy has been very interactive, answering questions from members who might be looking for some tips for healthy diet to incorporate into their lifestyles. He also has made a fantastic informational board in the Wellness Center for members and staff alike which details nutrition and healthy eating guidelines. This valuable addition to the Wellness Center is a perfect example of how the Y consistently aims to help people make their lives healthier.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – giving back and providing support to our neighbors

The staff at the Central Community Branch kicked off the Annual Campaign with Staff contributions – AND EXCEEDED their goal – in one day!  Sixty-seven staff donated $8,779 on a goal of $8,000.  The GOOD news is we still have 20 staff to ask; the BEST news is this money will go to support programs that directly impact children and families right here in our YMCA neighborhood.

Almost sixty Boroughs members gathered for Family Movie Night on the Studio 22 big screen.  Grandmas, grandpas, moms and dads and lots of children enjoyed picnics or pizza, fresh brewed coffee and healthy drinks as they watched “Enchanted”.  Stressed parents, straight from work, rushed in to meet up with their families, then relaxed, surrounded by a community of friends.  Children sat in bunches, arm in arm, small children cuddled with their mothers, babies slept, grandma’s teared up during the romantic moments, and all were happy.  As the music filled the room in the final moments of the movie, many of the children climbed up on the stage and danced.  Families left happy, and relaxed, sharing many words of thanks with the family programs team for bringing so many fun family benefits to our Y.  Being able to provide a space where a diverse group of families can gather, for no other reason than to ‘hang out’ and enjoy a free movie with their children is just another way that the Y reinforces it’s commitment to the community in a socially responsible way.

Mary is a cancer survivor who participated in the LiveStrong Program at the Greendale Family Branch.  Upon completion of the program, she realized that she could not afford a full priced family membership. Mary was advised to apply to the Y Access Program. It was determined that because of the importance of Mary’s wellness and her financial hardship, her membership rate would be reduced. We are proud that our Y Access Program has allowed her to continue to belong to our community.  Mary is not only a member, but she also volunteers her time, understanding the importance of healthy living and being socially responsible.