So many reasons why we all need the Y

Published 10:52 am Friday, February 24, 2012

In one way or another, we’re all connected to the Y — whether it’s where you discovered a talent that became a lifelong passion, were encouraged by a mentor, or where you turn for support with a healthy lifestyle. With your help, the Y will continue to be here to help strengthen our community.

At the YMCA of Snohomish County, strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with community members to address the most pressing needs in Snohomish County to make sure that everyone — regardless of age, income or background — has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Our work is not easy, but real and lasting changes can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. The first step to achieving these improvements is having the full support of our community.

In many places, the Y is known as a place to go swimming or work out, but it’s much more than that. It’s a place that changes lives. For example, here’s what one child-care parent had to say:

“My child has already shown and demonstrated skills he has taken away from his experience at YMCA child care. He is ahead of other children his age when it comes to language and his ability to comprehend directions from adults. He has been taught social skills and how to interact with others that he would not have otherwise learned at home. My child’s lead teacher is one of the most patient people I have met and provides my child an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.”

Programs like YMCA child care demonstrate the intrinsic value of having the YMCA in Snohomish County, and there are many others who could benefit greatly from the different services and programs offered by the YMCA of Snohomish County.

This is why we are launching our annual community support campaign. Your financial gift to the campaign will help continue the important work the Y does, be it providing kids a safe place to learn and grow before or after school, offering families opportunities to reconnect and grow together, or teens with homework support and academic guidance.

We encourage everyone in the community to join our cause. When we all pitch in and help our neighbors, we make a meaningful, enduring impact in the lives of children and families and, ultimately, strengthen our community.

To learn how you can support the YMCA of Snohomish County’s campaign or volunteer at the Y, please contact your local YMCA of Snohomish County family branch or visit ymca-snoco.org/donate.

Leslie Lauer chairs the YMCA of Snohomish County’s Board of Trustees. Matt Reinhard chairs the Invest in Youth Campaign.