News

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!

Greendale Family Branch

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!