CHANGING TIMES AND OUR YMCAS RESPONSE

Over the last year, our community was tested in ways we've never seen before. Together, we adapted to the challenges of a pandemic and learned new ways to keep ourselves, our kids and our families healthy and safe. As an organization with more than a century of experience in caring for our community, the Valley of the Sun YMCA responded quickly to these challenges; creatively expanding our programs to meet our community when, where and how we are needed most.

WITH YOUR SUPPORT

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we can continue to ensure the health, safety and well-being of every YMCA child and family; working to pave the way for a bright future and happy ending to the hundreds of stories that together, we play a part in, no matter their age, race, gender or socioeconomic status. But, there is more work to be done.

PROVIDING CRITICAL CHILD CARE FOR FAMILIES

With your help, we are committed to keeping our promise to the community to provide emergency child care, school time child care and summer child care services; allowing parents to work with peace of mind. As needs evolve within our education system, so will the Y. Our quick response and ever-adapting programs will continue to prioritize education, learning and safety for the children in our care. With your support, we can provide these opportunities for every child in our community regardless of their inability to pay.

PREVENTING CHILDHOOD DROWNING

With your help, we will help prevent childhood drownings the leading cause of accidental death of children in Arizona under the age of five through our advocacy programs that teach critical safety around water and swimming skills in the communities we serve. From group and private swim lessons, to partnering with schools to teach drowning prevention curriculum, the Ys commitment to drowning prevention remains a top priority in 2021.

PROVIDING YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER SERVICES

With your help, we will continue to partner with opportunity youth (ages 16-24) in the communities we serve to provide pathways to employment, shelter, food and a solid future. This population includes young men and women who have faced significant roadblocks to academic, job and life success and who may be navigating educational challenges, pregnancy, homelessness, disabilities or the juvenile justice system.

PROVIDING TRANSITIONAL HOUSING AND A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE

With your help, the Valley of the Sun YMCA will remain a provider of affordable accommodations for individuals who are experiencing a significant life event and are in transition. At the Y, a safe space to live means survival for a number of low income adults, including those who have aged out of the foster care system, and who may require additional assistance such as food boxes, life skills workshops and more, which are provided at our Downtown Phoenix facility.

$1,000 Provides child care and nutritious meals for food insecure youth for one month

$500 Provides life saving safety around water and swim lessons for six children

$250 Provides a week of transitional housing for a person experiencing a significant life event

$100 Provides three months of membership and life skills programming for opportunity youth

The Valley of the Sun YMCA needs your help to continue to provide financial assistance for programs and services like these for our most vulnerable populations.

The Y depends on your support to serve those who need us most. With your help, we can provide affordable child care, transitional housing, fight food insecurity and unemployment and keep our children safe around water. Thank you for your consideration of a pledge or gift to the Valley of the Sun YMCAs 2021 annual campaign.