Before I started working at the YMCA a little over a year ago, I only knew the YMCA as a gym and a song. Turns out, the YMCA is so much more!

Besides being one of the oldest non-profits, here are some of the things the YMCA does here in the valley that surprised me in the best possible way:

• The Youth Leadership and Workforce Development programs offer such a wide array of opportunities for youth (ages 16-24), including youth with disabilities: (scroll to the bottom to see more teen programming) https://valleyymca.org/get-involved/community-programs/youth/youth-workforce-development/
• The Downtown Housing Program provides low-cost transitional housing: https://valleyymca.org/community-programs/downtown-housing/
• adult swim lessons
• free rides for seniors to get their COVID vaccinations
• financial assistance to any family in order for them to be at the YMCA, participating in the programs together

• serving 1089 school age youth
  
• giving out 6000 meals to youth
• giving $148,190 in Financial Aid for childcare
• giving $109,592 in Financial Aid for membership
• giving Financial Aid to 146 sports participants

I know a lot of families are struggling after last year, but if you can donate to help us keep these and other programs going, we'd appreciate every little bit! Thanks!