Community Development
YMCA PURPOSE
The Chester Family YMCA is a charitable, nonprofit organization equipped to deliver effective, compassionate programs and services to youth, seniors and families in need in the Chester community. The Chester Family YMCA Annual Giving Campaign provides the financial resources for two primary purposes – 1) To provide financial assistance for every YMCA program to give access to all individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay and 2) To deliver on-site programs and services to pockets of need in the Chester community.
COMMUNITY NEED
The Colonial Ridge and Bermuda Run communities are 5 minutes from the Chester Family YMCA off Jefferson Davis Highway. These communities have over 300 units that house 760 individuals of which the majority are children ages 0-17. Of the families, 97% are led by single mothers. These families need accessible, safe, high quality programs and services that meet basic needs of the family (food, health, safety, work, support) and focus on building skills for academic and career success, strong families, strong moral character and financial independence
YMCA RESPONSE – An Innovative Approach
Why is our approach unique? First, the Chester Family YMCA has made a long term commitment to communities at risk. Second, the YMCA is hands on in the community and builds relationships as a neighbor, not a stranger. Third, the YMCA’s mission, network and skills combine with intimate partnerships with mission minded agencies, who provide volunteer leadership, program development and funding support that respond directly to meet tangible needs in the community.
Please contact Tiffany Patton at (804) 748-9622.