For many children, families and adults, the Y is a family. It is a place to come where they can learn, grow and thrive. But many need your help to benefit from this opportunity.

You know the faces of need in our community as well as we do: children in need of safe care and educational support; teens in need of positive role models and activities; and families who need a place to spend time together where they can grow in spirit, mind and body.

The YMCA of Greater Richmond is committed to meeting these needs and others through such programs as child care, camp, youth sports and health and wellness. Your gift improves a life. It keeps the Y open to all, making sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive through the Y.

Learn how the YMCA of Greater Richmond is building Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

A Message from the Annual Giving Chair

Bill Casey

I have been a resident of Richmond for thirteen years and my family has benefitted greatly from many of the programs the Y has offered including, Y Guides, Y Princesses, sports teams, music lessons, summer camps and workouts. There is no other organization that has helped my family in so many ways and I feel compelled to give back to this fine organization.

Additionally, I have worked in downtown Richmond at various financial institutions and wanted to become more involved with the outreach programs that the Y offers and specifically to work with the Downtown Y in delivering these services to the surrounding community.

Annual Support Campaign

The Downtown YMCA provides $700,000 in assistance to our members and program participants through reduced membership and program fees. Your gift to the Strengthening Communities Fund keeps the Y open to all.

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Preschool: At the Downtown Y Early Learning Center, 50 children are gaining the skills they need to be fully prepared for kindergarten.

Before- and After-School Care: A safe environment allows 135 children to flourish socially and academically while their parents work. The fun continues during the summer with Y camps.

Teens: Students at seven middle schools in Richmond City benefit from a Downtown Y after-school wellness initiative. They learn about healthy choices and the importance of exercise in daily life.

FOR HEALTHY LIVING
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA: Thirty cancer survivors will participate in this free 12-week program to renew strength and self-esteem following medical treatment.

Learn to Swim: We can prevent drownings. Five hundred second grade students in Richmond City Public Schools will be taught basic swim and water safety skills in the Y’s free Learn to Swim program in 2013.

Keep it Moving: This program provides hope for the homeless as they train at the Downtown Y for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k run.

FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Tutoring Club: Sixty-eight children at Chimborazo Elementary in Church Hill benefit from a free after-school program that promotes academic achievement through tutoring, fitness and mentoring.

Woodville: At Woodville Elementary School in Creighton Court, 60 of the East End’s most vulnerable children are safe in the Y’s after-school program. Free of charge, the program provides academic assistance, exercise and a hot meal.

Financial Assistance: We anticipate that three out of five members who join the Downtown Y in 2013 will need financial assistance. Many members join to find the support they need to lead a healthier life. Cost should not be a barrier to joining the Y family.