Meadville Family YMCA

Goal: $20,000.00

Specific Need

The Meadville Family YMCA is excited to participate in the Crawford Gives again this year. We are excited to share our story in efforts to raise awareness and funding for the community work we do!

We would first like to highlight our Summer Parks Program. This is a collaboration between the YMCA, Creating Landscapes, Women’s Services, HOPE and the City of Meadville. Both YMCA staff and Creating Landscapes staff and volunteers are at Huidekoper Park Monday through Friday (Tuesdays at Shadybrook Park) with programming from 10am-3:30pm. The YMCA staff are committed to providing fun and educational opportunities for the young people in our community. Rosanne and Emily faithfully implement impacting activities to help children explore and learn all while having fun! These two caring for the children and their needs. Tammy serves FREE lunches to the children each day at the park also! We are thankful to the community who supported the Walk-a-thon this spring to kick of the Summer Parks program and to the Winslow Foundation for additional grants that have allowed the program to THRIVE. Monies raised during Crawford Gives will help ensure the sustainability of the program for next summer and hopefully allow us to implement the program at a second park!

The YMCA staff are also fully committed to providing quality child care and youth sports programs for families and the youth in our area. We never turn a child away from participating due to an inability to pay. We are able to do this because of the generous donations we receive throughout the year! Our Y staff are focus on providing a learning environment that kids can thrive! This past year we were able to support more than 30 families with scholarships to participate in Preschool or youth sports/gymnastics programs.

Finally, the YMCA is seeking community support for our food program. We have had success supporting people in our food desert communities over the last two years. Tammy, Y's Community Food Coodinator, has spent this last year establishing community relationship to continue these efforts. We are currently raising funds to support the cost of each bag we give out. Each bag costs approximately $20. We are handing out about 60 bags each month total in the Conneautville and Atlantic communities. Furthering our food outreach, we are serving free dinners on Tuesday nights at St. Philips Hall in Linesville.

A word from Tina Carter. As the CEO, my goal has been to ensure we are filling the gaps within our Crawford County Communities. It is the support from donors like you that make this commitment from the Meadville YMCA possible. We could not offer these services without our donors and supporters throughout Crawford County.

Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. We build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.