The Y Spotlights Its Work Within Communities in First-Ever Nationwide Marketing Campaign

YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) and the North Suburban YMCA launched For a better us.™, a nationwide multimedia marketing campaign designed to educate consumers on the Y’s work as one of the most effective and enduring charitable organizations in the country. For a better us is meant to change the perception of the Y and raise awareness of the work it does in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility to address pressing social issues in more than 10,000 communities around the country.

The campaign launches with two powerful television commercials, Places and Idle Hands, each depicting a different problem America faces today. Places highlights people who lack the opportunities and resources they need to thrive, while Idle Hands explores the negative ways kids may fill their time when left unsupervised or unchallenged, without constructive activities. Both spots close by highlighting the Y’s work on the ground, helping to serve communities by providing healthy living and prevention programs, college and career readiness programs, safe spaces, and mentorship and volunteerism opportunities. The commercials are airing on multiple national networks including MSNBC, CBS and TBS. The spots can be viewed on ymca.net/forabetterus.

“This bold campaign underscores the importance of the life-changing work performed by Y staff and volunteers around the country,” said Kevin Washington, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. “On a daily basis, they drive the positive change and outcomes that strengthen our communities and the people who call them home.”

“The Y works to ensure that all individuals have the support they need to achieve their full potential, even in the face of serious social problems,” said Howard Schultz, President and CEO of the North Suburban YMCA. “This applies to all kinds of communities, in cities and suburbs. In fact, the first of the Y’s national ads coincided with a 60 Minutes segment on heroin abuse that evoked memories of “Heroin: The Silent Killer”, an educational program hosted by the NSYMCA and Northbrook Family Network (NFN) last December, featuring heroin awareness advocate P.J. Newberg who was joined by Northbrook Fire Chief Jose Torres and Police Chief Chuck Wernick. The Y’s national campaign really helps to point out the expansive range of services that are the essence of the Y’s mission.”

The For a better us. campaign is a multi-year, multi-faceted effort to engage more people with the Y and its mission. It will run through 2018.

Those interested in donating to the North Suburban YMCA can contact Barb Flanagin, Vice President of Development, at bflanagin@nsymca.org or 847 272 7250.

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

About the North Suburban YMCA

The NSYMCA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to make services accessible for all families and individuals. All board members are community volunteers, who donate their time, talents and financial resources. Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the YMCA has served area families in its fifteen-city region for over 45 years. The Y is about youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, providing programs and services that meet the needs of our diverse community and are accessible to all. For more information or to make a donation, call Barb Flanagin at 847-272-7250, or visit www.nsymca.org.