The effects of COVID-19 have disproportionately affected young people. Social isolation, loss of structured activities through missed school, clubs and sports programs, increased screen time and potential exposure to stress within the home have all taken their toll.
The YMCA of Snohomish County, with the support of volunteers and generous donors, will meet the needs of local youth, support families and revitalize the region’s economy.
“The Y is where youth and families are able to reclaim their health and well-being and where together we will reclaim our community,” says Jennifer Willows, YMCA of Snohomish County’s SVP and Chief Development Officer. “We have been through challenging times before, and each time our community has looked to the Y to provide support and leadership through programs that guide our youth and build a stronger, more connected community.”
With the community’s support, the YMCA of Snohomish County will raise $1.35-million through the 2021 Annual Campaign. The campaign, which launched Feb. 1, will conclude with a virtual Campaign Victory Celebration on March 25. Please consider making a gift of personal significance to the Y in support of our community’s youth at www.ymca-snoco.org/give.
The YMCA invites the community to invest in the lives of young people through Y programs and services uniquely designed to support their healthy development. Donate before March 25 at www.ymca-snoco.org/give.
YMCA 2021 Annual Campaign Commitment
The YMCA invites the community to invest in the lives of young people through Y programs and services uniquely designed to support their healthy development. Funds raised through the campaign will ensure the Y is able to deliver on its 2021 Annual Campaign commitment to:
- Hire 12 professional Youth Development staff – staff teams were greatly reduced in 2020; it’s time to reinvest in staff dedicated to youth development.
- Ensure equity of YMCA access to all youth by providing middle and high school students eligible for the public school free or reduced lunch program a $17 annual YMCA membership.
- Expand our affiliation with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County by establishing programs and mentorships in each of the YMCA’s six branch locations.
- Establishing year-round YMCA youth sports programs for children ages five to 18. Through Y sports, youth have the opportunity to develop skills and lessons learned by being part of a team; building self-esteem, developing an active lifestyle, gaining confidence and taking on leadership opportunities.
- Ensure children have basic life-saving skills to keep them safe around water by increasing access to YMCA swim lessons, working with schools to reestablish the 3rd Grade Swim Program, and provide the Make-A-Splash week-long water safety program.
- Build the next generation of Y leadership through opportunities that guide young people from program participation, to leadership, to volunteering and employment.
- Expand equity of access to YMCA programs and services through the Access for All program, a sliding membership fee program meeting individuals and families where they are ensuring no one is denied Y access due to financial constraints.
The YMCA of Snohomish County is the largest human services organization in the county. The Y has provided 480,000 meals and snacks to children, low- and no-cost child care to working families and critical support to seniors since the start of the pandemic.
“We are proud of the role we have played and we are optimistic about the future,” says Jennifer. Please join us with a gift or pledge of support today www.ymca-snoco.org/give or connect with Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Jennifer Willows at 425-374-5745, jwillows@ymca-snoco.org to make your gift of support today!
