Summer Y Spirit 2021

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

Dear Friends, 

Sunny skies and warm weather make for a great summer in Northeast Indiana. The YMCA summer programs for youth are filled with friendship, adventure, and learning. Our staff are dedicated to helping young people be their best through challenging activities, building character, and supportive learning. At the Y, no one is turned away for the inability to pay. The YMCA financial assistance program allows all people to participate at a price they can afford. That means every child and teen has a chance to participate in these amazing summer experiences.

We have already turned our attention to prepare for fall. Participation at the Y is slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels. Throughout the summer and into the fall you will see membership and program promotions to motivate you and your neighbors to return to the Y. The past year has put a strain on the physical and mental health of many people. We could all use a restart after a stressful year.  Building a new routine that includes healthy activity and social connections can help reduce stress and build resiliency. The Y is there for you to support lifestyle changes and relationship building. Ask your friends and neighbors to join you at the Y for a class, a workout, or fun day at the pool.

As the largest provider of child care in the community, the Y will kick off the fall season with elementary afterschool, teen activities, and early learning programs designed to help children grow in spirit, mind, and body. There is special attention paid to enrichment activities that develop the whole person in these programs.  Afterschool programs emphasize homework help, healthy eating, STEM activities, and physical play. Teen programs develop character, teach leadership, and offer career exploration activities. Early learning promotes discovery and pre-Kindergarten readiness in addition to a focus on Christian principles. The Y is nurturing the growth and development of every child and teen across all parts of the community.

The community needs the Y more than ever. And the Y needs you. Your participation and financial contribution makes all this possible. We promise to use our resources wisely and efficiently. Most importantly, we will never waiver on our commitment to the mission. Together we do great things. Thank you for choosing the Y as a nonprofit worthy of your support. 
With gratitude, 

Chris Angellatta
President & CEO
YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne 

8TH ANNUAL SIP AND SUPPORT

 Since 1992, the YMCA Youth Service Bureau has provided support for troubled youth and their families. While the primary goal is to provide crisis and intervention services, we do so much more. Through advocacy, we give at–risk adolescents the tools, skills and support they need to succeed and grow into thriving adults and community members.

Help create a bright future for area youth by supporting the 8th Annual Sip and Support fundraiser sponsored by Mike’s Carwash. Ways to get involved include a sponsorship, donating money or an auction item, or purchasing a ticket to the event. For more information contact the YMCA Youth Service Bureau at 260.449.7511 or visit fwymca.org/sipandsupport.

Unable to attend? Join us online to bid on items!

2021 WORKPLACE WELLNESS AWARD NOMINATIONS BEGIN

The YMCA Workplace Wellness Awards honor employers for making strides in providing a healthier workplace! As an integral part of supporting healthy living in our community, the YMCA encourages all employers to create a culture of wellness at their workplace. Employers who participate are recognized for wellness efforts, but also learn ways to incorporate additional wellness initiatives.

Your company does not have to be a wellness expert to take part in the Workplace Wellness Awards! The entire process is an educational experience that will benefit your business regardless of its current stage in corporate wellness development.

Nominate your company

Visit www.fwymca.org/nomination and fill out the workplace wellness assessment and nomination form by September 10. Questions? Contact Natalie Woods at 260.918.2149.

ANNUAL GOLF OUTING BREAKS FUNDRAISING RECORD

The 30th annual YMCA Camp Potawotami golf tournament broke an event record raising more than $37,000 to benefit YMCA Camp Potawotami, the official summer camp of the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne. The outing, held on May 27th at Pine Valley featured Premiere Sponsors Lawrence Construction, Felger Hart, Source One Solutions and Indiana Signworks. The day was full of sunshine, fellowship and fun and golfers also learned how their participation would benefit YMCA Camp Potawotami’s summer resident campers.

The proceeds from this year’s event will go toward new amenities to keep camp challenging and fun. “Camp Potawotami fosters a sense of accomplishment and belonging while teaching positive character traits and values”, said Karen Kasprzak, Executive Director. “I am grateful to the sponsors and teams who participated. Now more than ever, children need to experience the outdoors and have opportunities to connect with other children,” she added

LABOR DAY INFORMATION

Monday, September 6, 2021 all YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne Branches will be closed.

FREE MEMBERSHIP FOR 7TH GRADERS

Do you know a local 7th grader looking for a fun place to spend time with friends? Are you a parent looking to surround your teen with positive role models? If you answered yes, then contact your local Y about a FREE YMCA membership for your 7th grader. (Offer valid for residents of Adams, Allen, Whitley and Wells counties) No purchase necessary.

Learn More

FALL PROGRAM REGISTRATION

FALL I SESSION: September 13 - October 31
REGISTRATION OPENS:
Y Members: Monday, August 16
Program Participants: Monday, August 23

FALL II SESSION: November 1 - December 19
REGISTRATION OPENS:
Y Members: Monday, October 18 
Program Participants: Monday October 25

View Programs 

TRAIL BUDDIES

"Summer enjoying her best summer life! Thank you Parkview YMCA for bringing opportunities of normalcy to an abnormal season. We love how you see each of us and then develop programs that continue to foster inclusion to people of all abilities and interest.”

“When I heard the huge giggle erupt out of Xander as they peddled away, my whole body just let go of stress. Like aloe on a burn...my soul felt a moment of pure joy, peace and happiness. Maybe harder to understand that if you don’t have a Xander in your life, but wow, it was a big thing. So thankful for people that take time to include the Xander’s in their communities.

Learn more about Trail Buddies

21ST ANNUAL RAT RACE

Thinking about participating in the 2021 River City Rat Race Run/Walk on Sunday, October 17th? If so, join the “Rats in Training” at a free training group at the Central Branch YMCA, Mondays at 6:30 pm beginning on August 30th. Come with your running shoes laced up and join others of all levels and ages as the Rats get ready to run the Fort! Questions? Contact Pam Wolfe.

Find Out More/Register for the Rat Race

FIND AND LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Keep up-to-date with the latest Y news, events and programs and connect with other members. Like us on Facebook, ask us a question or share a story!

Find and connect with your branch below:

ENVISION YOUR LEGACY

Throughout our lives, most of us strive to make a difference, providing gifts to people and causes we value. It would be wonderful to know that you can continue to change lives even after you're gone - creating a legacy of support - for future generations. 

For more information about leaving a Legacy gift to the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, contact Nicole Hansen, Director of Mission Advancement at 260.918.2144.
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OUR PARTNERS

YMCA Mission Partners provide financial resources to strengthen our community and move us all forward. The continued support of these companies allows the YMCA to carry out our mission - making a meaningful, enduring impact in our community.

To inquire how your business can become a Mission Partner, contact Nicole Hansen, Director of Mission Advancement, at 260.918.2144. 

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOUNDATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS:

St. Joseph Community Health Foundation | Lincoln Financial Foundation | AEP Foundation on Behalf of Indiana Michigan Power | Foellinger Foundation | Edward M. and Mary McCrea Wilson Foundation | NiSource Foundation and NIPSCO | Dekko Foundation | Do it Best Foundation

CONTINUE READING/SEE REST OF GRANT INFO