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

Rachel Tallis

I volunteer at the Y, as it is a place in the community where everyone can come with different goals they want to achieve and the Y helps them to achieve them. The important part of the word “everyone” is that the Y is open to all. No financial barrier will stand in the way of the Y helping our community achieve their goals.

Annual Support Campaign

The John Rolfe Family YMCA provides more than $125,000 in assistance to more than 1,100 members and program participants through reduced membership and program fees. Your contribution to the Strengthening Communities Fund keeps the Y open to all.

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Supersibs!: In 2013, six children will be able to attend summer camp instead of sitting and waiting at the hospital while their brother or sister receives treatment for cancer. Every month, 15 children who know what it is like to have a brother or sister with cancer will come together in a safe place and talk about how they are doing. Rather than feeling like someone on the edge of their family, these young people will be the center of attention as they share their feelings and have fun together.

FOR HEALTHY LIVING
Moving Forward: Fifteen youth who are cancer survivors will learn how to live again. They will meet one-on-one with a personal trainer once a week to recover their stamina, strength, balance and health that the disease and treatment took from them. During this time, the whole family will receive a Y membership so they can support one another and learn to make healthy choices together. They will also have sessions with a dietician and take cooking classes to ensure that meal time is healthy family time.

Parkinson’s Training and Support Group: Every Tuesday and Thursday for six weeks, 25 adults will work with their trainer to maintain strength and balance. This exercise class not only helps delay the onset of symptoms, it also creates a strong, supportive community. Your gift ensures that this class is offered at a reduced rate.

FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Financial Assistance: We anticipate that one out of five members who join the John Rolfe Y in 2013 will need financial assistance to enable them to take part in our many programs that support healthy living. Cost should not be a barrier to joining the Y family.