Hamilton Area YMCA is back and better than ever
Heading into 2023 the Future is Bright!
At the onset of the pandemic, the Hamilton Area YMCA didn’t know what the future would hold. Shuttered and facing difficult financial decisions, the outlook was bleak. Nearly three years later, not only is the YMCA open, but it is thriving!
During challenging times, YMCAs answered the call of their communities and pivoted and transformed to provide programs and services for all. The Hamilton Area YMCA continues to be a force for positive change in our community - we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive through programs that address specific social, health or developmental needs such as:
Life-saving swim lessons for youth, especially those in low-income communities with limited access to this critical skill. In 2022, 2,156 children learned to swim at our YMCA. Partners like PoolCorp and YUSA helped to make this possible by supporting our 2nd and 6th grade swim initiatives.
A transformative summer camp experience. The lack of accessible highquality, enriching summer programming means children may not have a safe place to go while their parents are working. Ensuring that ALL children have a positive summer experience is important for the strength and safety of our communities. We Partnered with the local businesses in the Bromley Neighborhood and with the John O. Wilson Neighborhood Center to reach low-income communities providing four weeks of summer camp complete with healthy meals, drinks, snacks, and transportation for more than 50 children. Allowing children to participate in structured, outdoor activity free from the challenges they face in their neighborhoods and providing endless opportunities for physical activity.
Food drives for neighbors in need. Nearly 200 families received food and fresh produce via bi-monthly distribution events held at the Y.
In partnership with the Hamilton Township Board of Education our YMCA Before & After School Enrichment Program (BASE) is provided to nearly 900 township children. Recognized for our excellent services and program value, Congressman Chris Smith helped our Y secure our largest ever grant - $200,000 to be used to enhance our capabilities in BASE through tutoring and enrichment.
These are just a few of the programs and initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to ensuring our impact is felt throughout our community.
While the Y’s programs and services are open to all, participants may face difficulty accessing them due to transportation limitations, lack of child care, financial constraints and other barriers. We are committed to removing those barriers in our community. We work to ensure that everyone can access to the support they need, whether by offering financial aid to access programs within our facilities, by providing services outside our four walls at schools and other places in the community or by providing transportation. We never turn anyone away due to inability to pay, and we work hard to eliminate other barriers.
The Hamilton Area YMCA is committed to providing memberships, programs, and childcare that enhance the lives of people in the community. Through our Financial Assistance Program, we are able to reach out to those in need of financial support so that they may benefit from all the Y has to offer. This program—made possible through contributions received from members, companies, individuals and foundations—opens all YMCA programs to those in need. In 2022, we were able to provide over $300,000 in financial assistance and community benefit. We are committed to providing our programs and services to those who otherwise can’t afford them...there is a place for everyone at the Hamilton Area YMCA!
“We are proud to support our community through a wide variety of mission programs, the work that we do at the Y makes a real difference to so many. We connect to people of all ages and backgrounds to bridge gaps in need and build a stronger community. I am excited for our future and grateful to have the support of the board, staff, donors, and members. The future looks bright.” said Diana Zita, Hamilton Area YMCA CEO.
Additionally, we were the fortunate benefactors of Mayor Martin’s creative vision. Our partnership with Hamilton Township allowed us to continue to provide programs and services at our Sawmill Branch while securing our financial future – at no cost to the taxpayers - when the township purchased the Sawmill Branch.
As a non-profit organization, the Hamilton Area YMCA relies on the support of the community to do its mission work. The Y enjoys partnerships with a variety of local businesses, corporations and foundations and raises funds through the annual giving campaign and special events held throughout the year. Heading into 2023, the Hamilton Area YMCA endeavors to raise monies to ensure that mission programs are fully funded. If you would like to donate, please visit hamiltonymca. org/donate.