Winter Y Spirit 2021

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

Dear Friends, 

The future has arrived. The time has come to take action on a re-start. Maybe you are not ready to go back to what you were doing pre-pandemic, but are you ready to move forward?  There are still some roadblocks and new challenges ahead.  We still must be vigilant in these final months of the fight, but we have hope that the pandemic will be behind us soon.    

Moving forward by definition is about embracing change. Change is scary. Walking out into the unknown can bring about feelings of anxiety and fear.  Some people worry that by moving forward we might end up someplace worse than we are today.  Our lives have been full of anxiety and fear, who wants to seek out those feelings by embracing change? The difference is that moving forward is action-oriented. By taking action you make things happen versus let things happen. By taking purposeful action you get to define what the future looks like.  

I was sharing with our management staff that the future is in our hands.  We get to decide what the “new normal” will look like.  We get to decide how we will move forward.  We get to decide what role the YMCA will play in the community.  We have spent time surveying, discussing, and listening to members, participants, and the community to know what the future of the YMCA will be. The Y is pointed in the direction of supporting children, adults, and families with the most pressing issues of our time; chronic disease prevention, spiritual growth, academic/educational supports, social justice, and serving older adults. Now is the time for purposeful action. 

Despite all the tears and challenges of 2020, I am ready to move forward. I look toward 2021 with hope and optimism for the future. I believe that tomorrow can be better than today. Each of us must do our part to make this corner of the world a better place. Thank you!

With gratitude, 

Chris Angellatta
President & CEO
YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne 

MCMILLEN HEALTH 2020 PREVENTION VITALITY AWARD

In October, at the 9th Annual Vitality Awards, Wendy Spitznagel, the YMCA Executive Director of Healthy Living, was honored with an award in the category of Prevention. The Vitality Awards are presented by local non-profit McMillen Health and honor individuals who work to create a vital, healthy community. The prevention category consists of nominees who work to prevent health issues in the community through advocacy, education, and outreach.

Wendy was nominated for this award because of her dedicated work with the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne for more than 20 years. Her role as the Executive Director of Healthy Living and her positivity, passion, and dedication have helped people in our community strive for better health. Wendy has worked to build collaborations between the YMCA and other community organizations, so that clients have access to healthy living initiatives, such as the Diabetes Prevention Program and the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program. Her nominator said, “Wendy is a role model for all of us… She is the quintessential servant-leader. She gives of herself to help others succeed.”

GIVE FOR A BETTER US

YMCA Annual Campaign Raises Funds for Financial Assistance Program

Because of our commitment to strengthen the foundation of our community, through December 2020, together we awarded $2.2 million in financial aid to people throughout Allen, Whitley and Wells Counties. With your help we have made great strides, but we believe we can do so much more. In 2020 we will be raising money to help offset membership and program fees for people who want to be part of the Y family but cannot afford to do so. In order to be successful, your branch needs your help. For more information on how you can help our Annual Campaign through volunteering or giving, check with your local branch, visit fwymca.org, or email HereForYou@fwymca.org.

WINTER II SESSION

Program Registration is Open for Winter II! 
Winter II Session Dates February 22 - April 11
Register now!

Register 

STORYPOINT

StoryPoint Fort Wayne and the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne are excited to announce a joint partnership between the two organizations, which will strengthen their shared mission of serving the area’s seniors and families. The partnership will bring YMCA wellness coaches to the community to teach classes, support residents with their health and wellness goals, and more.

In addition, StoryPoint residents will have the opportunity to utilize the YMCA’s amenities, such as classes, pool facilities and sports courts. “We are excited to partner with StoryPoint and provide their residents with opportunities to strengthen their spirit, mind and body,” stated Chris Angellatta, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne. “Now more than ever the Y is a vital place to be encouraged and build connection,” he added. “At StoryPoint Fort Wayne, our residents live active lives and take an integrated, holistic approach to their overall health,” said Jane Francis, Community Specialist of StoryPoint Fort Wayne. “As a Mission Partner with the YMCA, we can give our residents greater opportunities to maintain active, joyful lives.” 

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:

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:

Youth Program Resilience Fund of Lilly Endowment Inc | Norfolk Southern Foundation
English Bonter Mitchell Foundation | Richard D. Waterfield Charitable Fund
Edwina Patton Unrestricted Endowment Fund, administered by The Wells County Foundation, Inc. | Walmart  |  Lakes Area Autism Network  |   St. Joseph Community Health Foundation  |  Howard P. Arnold Foundation  |  The McMillen Foundation, Inc.  |  Y-USA Strategic Initiatives Fund  

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