In Uncertain Times, the Northern Middlesex YMCA is Still Here

In Uncertain Times, the Northern Middlesex Y is Still Here

MIDDLETOWN,CT (April 14, 2020) – We are in unprecedented times. We are confronting a new enemy that threatens our health and our peace of mind. We could despair, panic, or we can respond. The well-being of members, staff, volunteers, and our community is our priority, we are adjusting, as advised by public officials and responding to a growing need.

“This is a time that we will collectively rise to the challenge, problem solve and help those who need us most,” said Michele Rulnick, YMCA President and CEO. “For the past 92 years, the Northern Middlesex YMCA has consistently demonstrated the ability to rise and face significant challenges. We will continue to do what we can to help our members and the full community at this time.”

We are currently providing childcare for first responders, healthcare workers and essential personnel. “These heroes are on the front lines and have enough to worry about—a safe place for their children to continue to learn, play and grow shouldn’t be one of them,” said Candace Crane, VP of Youth Development and Community Relations.

We are working with Saint Vincent DePaul, volunteers and donors to make sure the sixty men who live at the YMCA without access to a kitchen have food and snacks available. “The YMCA Board of Directors and members of the community are using our sign up system to help us fill our food pantry,” said James Goodin, Mens Resident Director. “These gifts are helping these vulnerable members of our community have enough to eat while following social distancing guidelines.”

We are also creating pathways to continue to engage our senior population. Our seniors, many of whom live alone, are feeling isolated and vulnerable right now, and we are committed to helping them feel connected during this scary time. We are calling our senior members daily to check in and are also providing virtual workouts to keep them active and healthy at home.

To support our communities’ health and wellbeing while the YMCA remains closed, we have created MY Virtual Fitness. This is an on demand virtual exercise program that includes videos from many of our own fitness instructors that can be accessed through the YMCA’s YouTube Channel, the website at midymca.org/m-y-virtualfitness and on our facebook page. YMCA 360, a new online community designed to help people stay connected and active, even when they can’t visit the Y is also available. The link to this free on demand program is listed on our Virtual Fitness Page and includes a variety of exercise classes.

“We are posting at least one video a day to help members feel like they are part of the class and community,” Heather Chandor, VP of Operations said. “It’s been well received. The members enjoy seeing their instructors who they are used to seeing. It makes them feel connected and a part of the group.” In addition to the online videos, the Northern Middlesex YMCA offers fitness challenges via the mobile app. What is great about the challenges, Chandor said, is how anyone can join and do the challenge as well as click “applause” to help encourage others.

Our youth development staff have been coming up with creative and meaningful ways to connect with our families. “We’re hearing from parents how challenging it is now that parents are at home balancing work and guiding their children through their daily lessons,” Ben Silliman, Director of Camp and Youth Sports said. “At Camp we have found that routine can help with finding balance. We want to offer families a great morning routine with the Pledge of Allegiance, Ingerpledge and interactive song of the day.” Every morning at 8am, Ben enthusiastically greets everyone who joins the Facebook LIVE Wake Up with Camp session.

The YMCA Camp Ingersoll facebook page also includes video submissions for joke of the day and trivia questions. Every Saturday, Assistant Camp Director, Emerson Badessa offers a 20 minute Youth Sports coaching video.

Kids Korner staff have been engaging daily with families by offering Facebook LIVE read aloud sessions, sign language, STEM activities, mindfulness, art and cooking activities. Our preschoolers are staying connected to their teachers and friends in a facebook group where the teachers are singing songs, reading books and inviting students to share posts of them reading, writing and singing.

This work is essential to our community, and the Y is in a unique position to provide these services. But we cannot continue this critical mission without support. Y members are being asked to please consider continuing their membership with us. With our doors closed, membership dollars will now help us continue this important work. For anyone who is not a Y member, please consider donating today to help provide free childcare to first responders and healthcare workers; outreach to isolated seniors and food for the men residing at the Y. You can do so with a gift of any amount online at: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/COVID_Help

We are just as eager as everyone to reopen our doors, and when that time comes, we know it will be an exciting day, filled with celebration. Until then, we will continue to do the work that is needed to keep our children safe, our seniors connected and our community healthy. But we can’t do it alone. “I know that many of us are facing our own hardships, and we are so humbled by our donors who support us during times such as this, despite the challenges,” said Lori Lodge, Director of Fund Development.

Connect with the Y to learn more about its response efforts at www.midymca.org or on social media by following @MiddlesexYMCA.

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About the YMCA

The YMCA is one of the area’s largest nonprofits focused on engaging individuals and families in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y is dedicated to helping people achieve goals, make friends and find a true sense of belonging. The Y offers quality time for families to be together, resources for parents, and a variety of opportunities for seniors to be active. The YMCA ensures these opportunities are available to everyone no matter their ability to pay with generous support from community partners and donors. For more information about the Y, visit www.midymca.org