FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: GIVING BACK AND PROVIDING SUPPORT TO OUR NEIGHBORS
The Y has been listening and responding to the most critical social needs in our community for 160 years. Locally, nationally and globally, the Y fosters the care and respect that all people need and deserve. Thanks to the Y’s vast network of volunteers, donors and community partners, people across the country and around the world are being empowered to feel healthier and more confident, connected and secure.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Everyone is welcome at the YMCA and given the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive regardless of their income level. As a charity, we work diligently to ensure that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. This is possible through our annual support campaign, individual and organizational donations and grant funding. We awarded $276,000 in financial assistance in 2018, a $27,000 increase over 2017.
VOLUNTEERISM & COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS
The Hampshire Regional YMCA was founded as a volunteer organization in 1880. Volunteers continue to serve in many valuable areas to mobilize our community and create lasting social and personal change. In 2018, 271 volunteers gave 1,615 hours of service including one day events, board service, staff development and more.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT
Our commitment to a better community starts with our YMCA staff. In 2018, we continued to focus on providing our employees with a positive work environment, development opportunities and the training needed to successfully meet our mission. Through a Worksite Wellness grant, we were able to offer wellness opportunities to help the spirit, mind and body of our staff. Our 27 full-time and 239 part-time employees participated in Fitbit challenges, motivational contests, nutrition seminars, and more in 2018. By focusing on our staff, we have increased staff satisfaction and retention.
BOARD DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT
Our board continues to be engaged and committed. We have active committees working to meet our strategic goals. This is an exciting time for our Y as we strive to grow to meet the increased needs of our community. We have completed an analysis to determine potential for expansion, and our facility and philanthropy committees are working on the next steps to determine costs, funding sources and capital needed.
COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
In 2018, we expanded our efforts to connect and partner with others in our community. We partnered with other organizations to provide services and initiated new collaborations, in addition to participating in many local events. These community partnerships include:
Northampton Educational Foundation, Northampton Chamber of Commerce, Mass State Alliance of YMCAs, Friends of Hampshire Homeless, Mass Department of Health, Healthy Hampshire Coalition, Northampton Prevention Coalition, Cancer Connection, The Garden, Catholic Charities Refugee Project, Northampton Survival Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Safe Passage, Veterans Administration, ServiceNet, Riverside Industries, Cutchins Program, Northampton School System, Northampton Community Rowing, Starlight Foundation , Dept. of Children and Families, Northampton Neighbors, Amherst Pediatrics, All Out Adventures, Northampton Senior Center, Easthampton and Northampton libraries, Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, Girl Scouts of Western Massachusetts, Northampton Youth Lacrosse, Look Park, ArtSpark, Stepping Up Dance Center, Women, Infants and Children, Girls on the Run, City of Northampton Police and Fire Departments, Headstart, Sugarloaf Dental, and Northampton Area Pediatrics.
For more information about supporting our YMCA or any of the above programs, please contact Julie Bianco, CEO.