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

Craig Lane

The Y has been an important part of this community and my life since I was in middle school. I commend and fully endorse its efforts and diverse programs to strengthen families, support our youth and encourage healthy lifestyles.

Annual Support Campaign

The Manchester Family YMCA, YMCA Camp Thunderbird and YMCA Mary Tyler McClenahan Child Development Center provide about $833,000 in assistance to members and program participants through reduced membership and program fees, and through such programs as YMCA Bright Beginnings and YMCA Learn to Swim. Your contribution to the Strengthening Communities Fund keeps the Y open to all.

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
YMCA Mary Tyler McClenahan Child Development Center: More than 90 children ages six weeks through 12 years are nurtured and cared for at this new Y location. Seventy-five percent of children enrolled rely on financial assistance to receive academic assistance and to build character with the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

YMCA Camp Thunderbird: Richmond’s premiere day camp anticipates serving 450 kids daily in 2013. Whether it’s learning to shoot an arrow, making friends or taking positive risks, youth make enduring memories and learn life lessons while nurturing their curiosity.

YMCA Jr. Leaders’ Club: YMCA Jr. Leaders’ Club focuses on developing the potential of middle school youth. In 2013 youth will strive for academic excellence, physical fitness and provide hundreds of hours of community volunteer service.

FOR HEALTHY LIVING
Y Guides: In 2012, 640 father and son or father and daughter duos spent time at Camp Thunderbird deepening their relationship to one another.

Learn to Swim: Children drown because they don’t know how to swim. More than 300 youth will develop basic swim and water skills through this free program in 2013.

FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Bensley Elementary: Thirty at-risk children receive tutoring and participate in character-building activities in this Y after-school program at no cost to their parents.

Camp EveryBuddy: The EveryBuddy Camp program at YMCA Camp Thunderbird enables children with special needs to enjoy camp alongside their peers.

Open to All: We anticipate that more than half of the members who join the Manchester Y in 2013 will need financial assistance to benefit from our many Y programs and services. Cost should not be a barrier to joining the Y.