Americans haven’t experienced hard times like these for generations.   Those most vulnerable need our support.  They need  BOLD acts of kindness.  

Especially during hard times, the American spirit of giving endures.  In fact, it’s times like these that remind us all that the human spirit thrives in the most difficult of times, making a BIG difference in the lives of people who need our kindness the most.   The YMCA plays such a pivotal role in thousands of lives ... and so can you.

Today’s families need the YMCA now more than ever.  They need afterschool programs for their children.  They need nurturing child care. They need early learning opportunities while their parents work to support their family.  They need to know their teens have a place to belong. 

And, they need BOLD acts of kindness from donors like you who support the work of the YMCA.  Please make a gift to the Y For All campaign and make a BIG difference for our kids.  

Last year, our YMCAs made a BIG difference for more than 5,500 deserving  children, adults and families throughout the North Shore.  We provided nearly $1.6 million in essential  Y programs and services so that ALL people, regardless of ability to pay, could benefit from the YMCA. 

In these hard times, we know the need will rise.  In fact, we expect YMCA financial assistance to climb to over $2 million in 2009.  With your support, we will continue to make a BIG difference in so many lives. 

Did you know?...

• The YMCA’s unemployment initiative supports current  Y members while they search for work.
• The YMCA’s Membership For All gives thousands of  Y members a chance to get and stay healthy with a membership rate based on their income.
• The YMCA is the largest provider of child care on the North Shore.  Our  Ys awards more than $700,000 a year to deserving families.
• Through hundreds of  Y programs like camp, swim lessons, arts programs and teen centers, our YMCA makes an impact in the lives of thousands of youth and teens with enriching programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body.
• The YMCA has been building strong kids, strong families and strong communities for more than 150 years.

Learn more about the impact your donation can make by viewing our most recent donor newsletter, YMCA IMPACT.