When David Brown, CEO of the Capital District YMCA, wanted to join his local Y as a teenager growing up in New Jersey, he learned the value of working to obtain the things you want. “(It) became a lesson in responsibility when my parents advised me that in order to join the Y, I’d need to help raise the money to pay for membership, ” he said. “So I went to the Y to ask for a job.”
Brown worked as an attendant and cleaner, giving him the chance to play basketball and be around other kids who also wanted to play. He worked in camp programs, and then began developing some of those programs. “As I got more involved,” he said, ” I saw that I was making a difference.” Today, he believes in the need to welcome teens to the YMCA. He believes in what the Y has to offer, and he sees important work still to be done.
The Capital District YMCA serves more than 100,000 community members every year, including more than 34,000 children, families and seniors. Through the Reach Out For Youth Scholarship program, it provided Y memberships for 43,852 people last year and 1,684 scholarships for childcare and camp. The stories of success include those who’ve become safer around water because now they can swim; seniors who enjoy essential social interactions; and teens who’ve developed confidence from working with caring mentors through the Black & Latino Achievers program, open to students of all backgrounds. “A major initiative of the Y is to promote diversity,” said Brown. “Not to TALK about promoting diversity, but to actively work to be more diverse.”
The philanthropic essence of the Y cannot be underemphasized. Reach Out for Success is not the only way the Y gives to the community. Circle of Champs is a Y program dedicated to improving the quality of life for children whose lives have been touched by a life-threatening illness by providing fun activities and events throughout the year.
There are many volunteer opportunities and other ways to help. For example, the 2012 Golf Classic in August is a wonderful opportunity to network with business leaders from across the region while raising funds for the Y’s many invaluable services. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.
Find the Y nearest you, ask for help, get more information about the Y, or find out how to volunteer and other ways to give by visiting www.CDYMCA.org or calling the association office at 518.869.3500.
Here are some upcoming Y events throughout the Capital District:
YMCA Healthy Kids Day
On Saturday, April 28, all branches of the Capital District YMCA encourage kids and parents to visit the Y for a play date, and commit to being active every day. It’s all part of the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day- the nation’s largest health day for families. This FREE event offers a variety of activities from obstacle course fun to playing Wii Sports. Visit www.CDYMCA.org for more information.
Albany YMCA 5k Run/3K walk and Kids Fun Run
Albany YMCA 5K Run/3K Walk and Kids’ Fun Run Saturday, May 5, 2011 – 9:00 a.m(Kids Fun Run at 8:30am).This event is a 3 mile road race that begins and ends at the Lakehouse in Albany’s Washington Park. When: Saturday, May 5. Time: 8:30-11:00AM. Cost $25. For More Information, please Contact: Ben Luke 518-463-9622 x 1340 or [email protected]
Free Swim Clinic for children with ASD
The Guilderland YMCA Cyclones Swim Team is sponsoring a swim clinic for children along the Autism spectrum. This is a FREE program aimed at allowing children along the spectrum to experience the water in a safe environment. Program is for pre-school and school aged children. When: Sunday, May 6. Place: Guilderland YMCA. Time: Children will be placed in a 30-minute session between the hours of 9AM and Noon. If you have questions, contact Rosemary Crowley at 518-728-6050 or [email protected]
Amy Wink Krebs lives in Albany, NY – what she likes to call “our pretty little city.” She loves discovering cool things for kids and families in the Capital District, then sharing them with you. Please write to Amy at [email protected].
