Tag: Annual campaign

While YMCA membership fees sustain the Y as a community gathering place, it is the Annual Campaign that propels the institution to make a lasting impact. The campaign funds critical programs such as child care, YMCA Storer Camps, Y Achievers, and much more. These initiatives go beyond health and wellness activities, making the YMCA accessible to everyone in the community.

Empowering Communities: The Impact of Supporting Anthony Wayne YMCA

Posted on by Rosalyn Whickum

Empowering Communities: The Impact of Supporting Anthony Wayne YMCA

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Updated: 03.26.24

In a world where many often experience financial barriers, finding ways to support one another becomes vital. Crystal Tollstam, the Executive Director of the Anthony Wayne YMCA, captures the essence of community support in her words: “The YMCA’s yearly fundraiser is crucial for helping people in need in our community.” These words resonate deeply, reflecting the mission of the YMCA to provide inclusive opportunities for all, regardless of financial constraints.

 

At the heart of the YMCA’s mission is the belief that everyone deserves access to programs that promote health and well-being. Thanks to generous donations, the Anthony Wayne YMCA is able to provide memberships and free programming, ensuring that individuals and families from all walks of life can participate. This inclusivity not only fosters physical health but also nurtures a sense of belonging and community spirit.

For Juliana and Josie Gillen, members of the Anthony Wayne YMCA, the impact of this community support is profound. They share, “The YMCA has been a staple in our lives… the level of comfortability is unmatched.” This sentiment echoes the sentiment of many who find solace and encouragement within the YMCA’s welcoming environment. Beyond just a gym, it becomes a place where relationships flourish and personal growth is nurtured.

“The Anthony Wayne Y has had a tremendous positive impact on the lives of my wife and I. We have both experienced life-changing transformations both physically and holistically. Going to Y has become part of an everyday routine and we have seen such great health improvements in our mood, in our sleep, in our cardiovascular and overall strength, increased energy, and in the ability to find balance in our lives. We don't know what we would do without the Y in our lives and feel blessed every day to be a part of the Y family!”
Rob and Nicole Kemmer, Members
“The YMCA's yearly fundraiser is crucial for helping people in need in our community. Thanks to donations, it provides memberships and free programming, giving everyone a chance to improve their health and well-being. By removing financial obstacles, the YMCA ensures that everyone can benefit from its programs. This collective effort not only brings our community together but also shows compassion and support for those facing challenges.”
Crystal Tollstam, Executive Director
“The YMCA has been a staple in our lives since we can remember. More recently as we’ve gotten older, we’ve grown to appreciate the Anthony Wayne branch because of the phenomenal management, friendly community and the level of comfortability is unmatched. Because of the YMCA, we have been able to grow in so many different ways. As me and my sister get older and busier with our schedules going to the gym is the time we carve out to do something together. The YMCA has become such a big part of our lives, and we love our YMCA community.”
Juliana and Josie Gillen, Members
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Rob and Nicole Kemmer’s testimonial further underscores the transformative power of the Anthony Wayne YMCA. They express gratitude for the holistic shifts they’ve experienced, from physical health to emotional well-being. Their story is a testament to the YMCA’s commitment to the wellness of mind, body, and spirit, recognizing that true health encompasses more than just physical fitness.

Supporting the Anthony Wayne YMCA isn’t just about funding a facility; it’s about investing in the health and vitality of our community. It’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive. By contributing to the YMCA’s yearly fundraiser, individuals are not only supporting their own health journey but also extending a hand to those who may need it most.

The Anthony Wayne YMCA stands as a place where barriers are broken down, friendships are forged, and lives are transformed. Together, let’s continue to support the Anthony Wayne YMCA and build healthier, more vibrant communities for all.

Annual Campaign Watch: Wolf Creek YMCA

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

WOLF CREEK & 2024 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

This year’s Annual Campaign theme is  “Y for You. Y For All,”.  Annual Campaign impact goes beyond traditional membership fees, driving essential programs and activities that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

41.2% of the 12,114 members at the Wolf Creek Y receive financial assistance. The Annual Campaign makes this possible, empowering the Y to be a force for positive change in the community. Let’s explore how your contribution to the Annual Campaign can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families at the Wolf Creek YMCA.

“The Y gives me a chance to exercise, and it also gives me a great sense of community.” - Bob Lineen

The Wolf Creek YMCA goes beyond traditional fitness programs, offering a diverse range of activities to cater to the varied interests and needs of our members. From pickleball to arts & humanities, and water exercise classes, the Y becomes a hub for active engagement. Bob Lineen, a member, expresses, “The Y gives me a chance to exercise, and it also gives me a great sense of community.” Your support directly contributes to fostering a healthy and connected community.

Youth Programming

Youth empowerment lies at the core of our mission, and the numbers speak volumes. In 2023, more than 3,000 youth participated in various programs, including sports like soccer,  swim and piano lessons. These initiatives not only provide children with self-confidence but also instill a sense of belonging and deliver various physical health benefits.

Personal Training Success Story

The impact of the Wolf Creek YMCA extends beyond the physical activities offered. Personal training testimonies, like that of an 83-year-old member, showcase the life-changing outcomes made possible by your support. “Thanks to personal training with Terri for the past 4 years, I am able to do things most 83-year-olds are not able to do,” shares the member. The Y has become a source of strength, allowing individuals to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy an exceptional quality of life.

Your Support Matters

The Wolf Creek YMCA Annual Campaign is not just about raising funds; it’s about creating a positive ripple effect that transforms lives. Your support directly contributes to the success stories, statistics, and testimonials that make our community stronger, healthier, and more connected. Join us in giving to the Wolf Creek YMCA’s Annual Campaign, and let’s continue making a difference together. 

“Y FOR YOU. Y FOR ALL.” 2024 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

"Y FOR YOU. Y FOR ALL." 2024 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

In the heart of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, the YMCA of Greater Toledo has been a pillar of community strength for 160 years. The YMCA of Greater Toledo, with a $26 million budget, operates more than 30 family wellness, child care, and camp facilities across five counties. In 2023 alone, the Y recorded 1.4 million visits and served 75,223 members.

This year’s Annual Campaign theme is  “Y for You. Y For All,”.  Annual Campaign impact goes beyond traditional membership fees, driving essential programs and activities that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This campaign empowers the Y to be a force for positive change in the community. Let’s explore how your contribution to the Annual Campaign can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families throughout the region.

Making a Difference Beyond Membership Fees

While YMCA membership fees sustain the Y as a community gathering place, it is the Annual Campaign that propels the institution to make a lasting impact. The campaign funds critical programs such as child care, YMCA Storer Camps, Y Achievers, and much more. These initiatives go beyond health and wellness activities, making the YMCA accessible to everyone in the community.

Areas of Impact

The Annual Campaign focuses on three core areas of impact: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. By contributing to this campaign, you’re directly supporting initiatives that aim to empower individuals and families.

  1. Youth Development: The Y nurtures over 1,000 kids weekly through various classes, ensuring that 75% of Y kids in Pre-K are fully prepared to enter kindergarten. Summer Day Camps, attended by 700 kids per week from June to August, provide enriching experiences for children.

  2. Healthy Living: The Y is committed to the health and well-being of its community. Over 800 individuals per quarter participate in accredited Chronic Disease programs, addressing issues such as diabetes, blood pressure, heart health, and healthy lifestyles.

  3. Social Responsibility: The Y actively engages in social responsibility by offering financial assistance to 37% of its members. Additionally, it collaborates with 500 area Partner Agencies to create positive change in communities.

We Need Your Support

Your support of the YMCA of Greater Toledo’s Annual Campaign is an investment in the well-being and success of your community. By contributing, you become part of a collective effort to empower youth, build healthier families, and foster inclusive communities. The Y’s commitment to accessibility, diversity, and community impact makes it a beacon of positive change in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Donate today for a better us.

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The Impact of Sharing Your Y Story

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

At the YMCA, we’re more than just a gym or a fitness center. We’re a community where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together to grow, learn, and support one another. One of the most powerful ways we do this is by sharing our Y stories with each other.

Your Y story is a unique reflection of how the YMCA has impacted your life. Maybe you found your passion for healthy living through a fitness program, or maybe you met your best friend in a group exercise class. Perhaps you enrolled your child in our Child Care program and saw them develop new skills and relationships.

Whatever your Y story may be, we believe that it deserves to be heard. By sharing your story, you’re not only honoring your own journey, but you’re also inspiring others to discover the benefits of the YMCA community.

We’re inviting members, staff, and volunteers to share their Y stories with us through text, photo, or video. Additionally,  those who submit a Y story on video, will be entered into a drawing for a YMCA gift card.

 
 

EVERYONE HAS A Y STORY

Share yours today!

SHARE CONNECT BELONG

By listening to each other’s stories, we’re able to catch a glimpse of all the hope, strength, and determination across the YMCA and how everyone’s living the Y’s values.
 Beyond the chance to win a prize, sharing your Y story is an opportunity to connect with others and contribute to the larger mission of the YMCA. By listening to each other’s stories, we’re reminded of the values that unite us: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
 

Whether you’ve been a part of the YMCA community for years or are just starting to get involved, we want to hear from you. Your Y story is important, and we’re grateful for the chance to learn from and be inspired by your experiences.

My Y Story – Ken Howard

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

“I joined the Y in February 2023, and started taking the Silver Sneaker land classes. After a few months, I had a follow-up appointment with my endocrinologist and found my A1C had lowered significantly along with my blood pressure. I am very happy with the positive health results I have had as a result of attending these free classes.”

– Ken Howard, Eastern Community YMCA member

My Y Story – Maryetta Betz

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

“I have Parkinson’s Disease. Before coming to the Y, I had very limited mobility and bad balance, requiring me to use a walker at all times. I joined the Y and started participating in The Healthy Living, Parkinson’s Class. I started seeing improvements in my health and went from using a walker to a cane. I also added Balance and Brain classes to my schedule. My balance and mobility have improved so much and now I am no longer reliant on my cane.”

– Maryetta Betz, Eastern Community YMCA Member