The YMCA is more than buildings and programs. The YMCA is people.
Now, more than ever, the YMCA of Niagara needs your support. A gift to the YMCA is always applied to our YMCA Financial Assistance Program. Our charitable mission demands that no one is denied access to a YMCA program or service due to an inability to pay.
Please read on to see all of the ways your charitable gifts are being applied today.
When we work together as a community, great things happen!
For over 160 years the YMCA of Niagara has been responding to evolving community need. The YMCA Stronger Together Annual Support Campaign raises funds to ensure that all children, youth and their families have the opportunity to participate in proven YMCA Programs.
During these unprecedented times of continual change, uncertainty and shifting priorities, one thing remains a constant. Children and their families continue to rely on the work we do; and now more than ever, our community and families need our help. At the YMCA we are committed to finding solutions to meet community need with a focus on ensuring children and youth continue to build resilience and reach their full potential.
While the impact of COVID-19 has been devastating on the YMCA of Niagara as a charity, it has also created unique opportunities to allow us to support our community in new ways.
Below are just some examples of our response to meet community need:
Adventure Club was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in collaboration with community agencies, such as Family and Children’s Services Niagara and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. It is a referral-based program for children (6 to 12 years) who are high-risk or in vulnerable situations.
Adventure Club operates summer, fall and spring outdoor programs, and provides access to resources and supports for their families.
Youth Action continues to offer virtual programs for youth ages 10 to 14 in priority neighborhoods across Niagara, and we have returned to to in-person activities. This critical program reaches youth who typically do not have access to recreational programs due to financial barriers.
The reimagined program model promotes physical distancing, while still maintaining a focus on physical activity, social skills, self-esteem, healthy choices, and leadership skills.
YMCA Beyond the Bell® is in its second year of operations at Lincoln Centennial School in St. Catharines.
The Beyond the Bell program helps close the knowledge and achievement gap between low-income and/or newcomer families and their peers. The program focuses on literacy and numeracy, social skills and promotes a healthy lifestyle. It also engages students in grades 2 to 4 who have been identified by their teachers as requiring additional supports.
Your donation will ensure that programs such as these continue to be available to our most valued members. Our children and youth are our future leaders.
The YMCA builds leaders, gives parents peace of mind, and through our everyday actions, changes lives.
Please consider a gift to the YMCA Stronger Together Annual Support Campaign.