The New Canaan Community Young Mens Christian Association Inc

THE NEW CANAAN COMMUNITY YMCA'S MISSION IS TO ENRICH ALL PEOPLE IN SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY. WE ARE FOUNDED ON CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES AND GUIDED BY OUR CORE VALUES OF CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, AND RESPONSIBILITY. WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT PROMOTE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AMONG MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY. THESE AREAS OF IMPACT WERE STRENGTHENED AND CONTINUOUSLY ADAPTED TO SERVE Y MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA IS A MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATION WITH APPROXIMATELY 4120 MEMBERS OF ALL AGES, ABILITIES, INCOMES, RACES, AND RELIGIONS. WITH THE ADDITIONAL SERVICES OF AN ESTIMATED 370 INDIVIDUALS VOLUNTEERING IN POLICY MAKING, FUNDRAISING, SPECIAL EVENTS, AND PROGRAMS, THE YMCA IS DEDICATED TO PROMOTING COMMUNITY WELLNESS AND DEVELOPMENT, STRONG FAMILIES, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, AND INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS 28 MEMBERS (INCLUDING 2 TEEN MEMBERS AND 4 EMERITUS MEMBERS).

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ENCOMPASSES CHILDCARE, EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP, AQUATICS, SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS.THE NEW CANAAN YMCA OFFERS FULL-DAY CHILDCARE SERVING APPROXIMATELY 47 PARTICIPANTS, AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING SERVING APPROXIMATELY 80 PARTICIPANTS AND SCHOOL VACATION DAY PROGRAMMING SERVING AN AVERAGE OF 19 CHILDREN ON EACH OF 11 VACATION DAYS IN 2020. OUR CHILDCARE SERVES CHILDREN 6 WEEKS OLD THROUGH AGE 12, PROVIDING A SAFE AND NURTURING CHILDCARE ENVIRONMENT.ADAPTING TO CHANGING COMMUNITY NEEDS AMIDST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, CHILDCARE PROGRAMS PROVIDED VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY CLOSURE. A REMOTE LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAM WAS IMPLEMENTED DURING THE FALL OF 2020 TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR WORKING FAMILIES AS WELL AS LOCAL TEACHERS WHO REQUIRED CHILDCARE DURING THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS' REMOTE LEARNING SCHEDULES. THE Y PARTNERED WITH THE NEW CANAAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TO OFFER A SUBSIDIZED FEE FOR LOCAL TEACHERS AND SCHOOL STAFF.UNDERSTANDING THE NEED FOR ENGAGING AND ENRICHING ACTIVITIES DURING THE COVID-19 CLOSURE, THE NEW CANAAN YMCA WORKED DILIGENTLY AND PASSIONATELY TO PROVIDE REGULAR YOUTH AND FAMILY AT-HOME PROGRAMMING. PROGRAMMING INCLUDED: 10 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT VIDEOS, INCLUDING ARTS AND CRAFTS, DANCE CLASSES, AND STORY TIME; A WEEKLY VIRTUAL CAMP PROGRAM FEATURING A LARGE VARIETY OF DIFFERENT AT-HOME ACTIVITIES; AND LIVE VIRTUAL FAMILY EVENTS INCLUDING BINGO AND PICTIONARY.THE NEW CANAAN YMCA OFFERS SUMMER CAMP OPTIONS . CAMPERS LEARN CONSIDERATION AND COOPERATION WITH OTHERS, FAIRNESS, INDEPENDENCE AND LEADERSHIP. SUMMER CAMP HELPS TO BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE, SELF-ESTEEM AND A HEALTHY ATTITUDE. IN 2020, APPROXIMATELY 36 TEENS PARTICIPATED IN THE Y'S LEADER-IN-TRAINING AND COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING PROGRAMS, AND 159 CHILDREN (INCLUDING 9 CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS) ATTENDED Y SUMMER CAMP. THE Y'S SPECIAL CARES CAMP PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH A VARIETY OF SPECIAL NEEDS (E.G., DOWN SYNDROME, AUTISM) ALLOWS THE CHILDREN TO BE INCLUDED IN A MAINSTREAM CAMP BY PROVIDING ONE-ON-ONE STAFF TO CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO THEIR FAMILIES. IN 2020, 2 CHILDREN PARTICIPATED IN THE ESY (EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR), 2 CHILDREN IN THE ESY LIT PROGRAM, AND 10 IN Y CAMP JAM.YMCA AQUATIC PROGRAMS PROVIDE SPECIFIC SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY SKILLS, WHILE PROMOTING GOOD HEALTH THROUGH REGULAR EXERCISE. IN 2020, 332 CHILDREN LEARNED TO BECOME SAFER AND MORE CONFIDENT IN THE WATER THROUGH SWIM LESSONS. APPROXIMATELY 338 CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS PARTICIPATED IN THE YMCA'S THREE COMPETITIVE AQUATIC TEAMS AND PROGRAMS. ALL TEAMS FOCUS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROPER MECHANICS, GOAL SETTING, LEADERSHIP AND TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS, SELF-ESTEEM AND THE YMCA FOUR CORE VALUES WITHIN THE REALM OF A SAFE AND MOTIVATING ENVIRONMENT. AS A RESULT, OUR ATHLETES ARE RESPONSIBLE STUDENT-ATHLETES AND ARE GREAT ROLE MODELS FOR OUR COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION TO ATHLETIC AND PERSONAL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, THE COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS PROVIDE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP FRIENDSHIPS AT THE YOUTH AND ADULT LEVEL BY BRINGING DIFFERENT FAMILIES TOGETHER IN SOCIAL OUTINGS AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE. COACHES FROM EACH OF THE TEAMS KEPT THEIR YOUNG ATHLETES ENGAGED, ACTIVE, AND CONNECTED THROUGH DAILY VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSIONS DURING THE COVID-19 FACILITY CLOSURE.DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, ONE SATURDAY NIGHT PER MONTH, THE YMCA IS OPEN EXCLUSIVELY TO YOUTH IN GRADES FIVE THROUGH EIGHT. THE PROGRAM IS OPEN TO ALL IN THE COMMUNITY, REGARDLESS OF MEMBERSHIP STATUS. THE YOUTH WORK OUT IN THE WELLNESS CENTER, GYM, AND POOL, AND PARTAKE IN SPECIAL EVENTS IN A SAFE, SUPERVISED ENVIRONMENT UNDER THE DIRECTION OF Y VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF. AN AVERAGE OF 75 CHILDREN (AGES 10-13) ATTENDED EACH OF THE 2 EVENTS IN 2020.PRIOR TO THE CLOSURE, APPROXIMATELY 860 CHILDREN FROM KINDERGARTEN TO HIGH SCHOOL AGE LEARNED SPORTSMANSHIP, TEAMWORK, AND HAD FUN IN THE NEW CANAAN YMCA'S RECREATIONAL BASKETBALL PROGRAMS EMPHASIZING COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SKILLS AS WELL AS THE Y'S CORE VALUES.

THE NEW CANAAN YMCA IS A COMMUNITY RESOURCE DEDICATED TO PROMOTING WELLNESS AMONG PEOPLE OF ALL AGES THROUGH GOOD HEALTH AND EXERCISE HABITS. OUR PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED TO HELP PEOPLE SET REALISTIC GOALS FOR SELF- IMPROVEMENT AND DISEASE PREVENTION THROUGH AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE, PROPER NUTRITION, AND HEALTH EDUCATION. MEMBERS AGES 15 THROUGH SENIOR MAY PARTICIPATE IN A VARIETY OF CARDIOVASCULAR, STRENGTH TRAINING, MIND-BODY AND NUTRITION PROGRAMS. PRE COVID, THE Y OFFERED OVER 120 DROP-IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS CLASSES PER WEEK. DURING THE COVID-19 FACILITY CLOSURE, THE Y REMAINED COMMITTED AND DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY AND ITS MEMBERS THROUGH BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH. DURING THE CLOSURE, THE Y OFFERED OVER 30 FREE VIRTUAL WORKOUTS AVAILABLE TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY, PLUS LIVE VIRTUAL CLASSES, FEATURING OVER 16,000 VIEWS. CLASSES RANGED FROM YOUTH TO SENIOR FITNESS CLASSES, PLUS WEEKLY NUTRITION VIDEOS, AND WORKOUT CHALLENGES. APPROXIMATELY 29 CHILDREN LEARNED HOW TO SAFELY ACHIEVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AT THE Y THROUGH OUR FAMILIES IN TRAINING PROGRAM, WHICH ENCOURAGES FAMILIES TO WORK-OUT TOGETHER AND FOR KIDS AGES 12 AND OLDER TO BEGIN MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES.

THE YMCA STRIVES TO PROVIDE A WELCOMING, AFFIRMATIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE ALL INDIVIDUALS CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE AND RECEIVE THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT THEY NEED TO IMPROVE THEIR OVERALL WELLNESS REGARDLESS OF ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES. WHILE THE NEED WAS LESSENED DUE TO THE MEMBERSHIP AND PROGRAMMING INTERRUPTION CAUSED BY COVID-19, THE NEW CANAAN YMCA REMAINED COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO REQUIRE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO BENEFIT FROM THE Y'S SERVICES. IN 2020, NEW CANAAN YMCA AWARDED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OF OVER $52,000 TO APPROXIMATELY 84 INDIVIDUALS FOR MEMBERSHIP AND OVER $24,000 TO 71 INDIVIDUALS TOWARD PROGRAM ASSISTANCE.IN 2020, THE YMCA PROVIDED APPROXIMATELY $21,000 IN ASSISTANCE FOR 15 CHILDREN ENROLLED IN THE Y'S CHILDCARE CENTER AND MORE THAN $46,000 IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO 37 CAMPERS TO ATTEND SUMMER CAMP. APPROXIMATELY$34,000 IN ASSISTANCE WAS APPROPRIATED FROM THE PROCEEDS OF Y'S ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT AND A GRANT FROM THE NEW CANAAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,750 WAS APPROPRIATED TO COVER THE EMPLOYMENT COSTS OF THE AIDES AND A NURSE. WITHOUT A NURSE ON SITE THE CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND CAMP. IN 2020, THE NEW CANAAN Y'S SPECIAL NEEDS DEPARTMENT COORDINATED WITH STAR TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS FOR 8 ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. IN ADDITION, THE Y'S SPECIAL NEEDS DEPARTMENT HOSTED WEEKLY VIRTUAL EVENTS FOR THE SPECIAL NEEDS COMMUNITY.IN 2020, THE NEW CANAAN YMCA HOSTED 3 EVENTS FOR FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY. BEFORE COVID-19 AN AVERAGE OF 50 PARTICIPANTS ATTENDED TWO "DIVE-IN" MOVIES WHERE PARTICIPANTS ARE ABLE TO SWIM, FLOAT WHILE WATCHING A MOVIE AND A COMMUNITY "DRIVE-IN" MOVIE IN DECEMBER WITH APPROXIMATELY 44 FAMILIES ENJOYING A NIGHT OUT SAFELY TOGETHER.THE NEW CANAAN YMCA'S TOGETHERHOOD PROGRAM HOSTED THEIR ANNUAL "ADOPT-A-BOX" PROGRAM SOLD 12 BOXES (TO COVER THE COST OF SHIPPING) TO MEMBERS OF OUR Y AND COMMUNITY. EACH PARTICIPANT FILLED THE BOX WITH ITEMS FOR THE MEN AND WOMEN IN THE ARMED SERVICE.THE NEW CANAAN YMCA'S FOREVERWELL PROGRAM ADDRESSES THE NEED TO ENHANCE THE PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS OVER 55. PRIOR TO THE COVID SHUTDOWN, TWO FOREVERWELL POP-UP-LUNCHES WERE SERVED TO AN AVERAGE OF 30 PARTICIPANTS AT EACH LUNCH. PARTICIPANTS HAD TIME TO ENGAGE IN SOCIAL CONVERSATION, MEET NEW PEOPLE, ENJOY DIFFERENT ENRICHING ACTIVITIES.UNDERSTANDING THAT SENIORS WERE AT A GREATER RISK FOR SOCIAL ISOLATION, THE Y REMAINED DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING THIS POPULATION THROUGHOUT THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. THE FOREVERWELL COMMITTEE IDENTIFIED SENIOR MEMBERS AT GREATEST RISK FOR ISOLATION (AGE 70+ WHO HAVE A COUPLE OR SINGLE SENIOR MEMBERSHIP). A TEAM OF ABOUT 12 PEOPLE MADE 627 CHECK-IN CALLS TO MAKE SURE THESE INDIVIDUALS WERE DOING OK PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY. VOLUNTEERS CONTINUED WEEKLY FRIENDLY CALLS AND ASSISTED WITH GROCERY SHOPPING FOR THOSE INTERESTED. REGULAR VIRTUAL WORKOUTS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR AN OLDER POPULATION WERE ALSO MADE AVAILABLE FOR FREE TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.IN 2020, APPROXIMATELY 12 INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATED IN ONE OR MORE SESSIONS OF A CANCER SURVIVOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM CALLED LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA. PARTICIPANTS MET FOR 6 WEEKS AT THE YMCA PRIOR TO THE COVID CLOSURE AND CONTINUED TO MEET VIA VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING DURING AND POST COVID. LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA IS A SMALL GROUP PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR ADULT CANCER SURVIVORS. THE PROGRAM IS OFFERED AT NO CHARGE TO ANY CANCER SURVIVOR IN THE COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION TO THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS, THE PROGRAM PROVIDES PARTICIPANTS A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT AND A FEELING OF COMMUNITY WITH THEIR FELLOW SURVIVORS, YMCA STAFF AND MEMBERS. TO MAINTAIN THE LEVEL OF QUALITY OF THE PROGRAM AND SERVICE TO OUR PARTICIPANTS, OUR INSTRUCTORS ARE REQUIRED TO STAY CURRENT ON THEIR TRAININGS AND ENCOURAGED TO GAIN AS MUCH KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE POPULATION THEY ARE WORKING WITH.THE NEW CANAAN YMCA CONTINUED ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH FACING THE FUTURE, AN ORGANIZATION LOCATED IN THE KENYAN SLUM OF KIBERA, NAIROBI, AFRICA. CURRENTLY, THE ORGANIZATION SERVES APPROXIMATELY 380 CHILDREN. IN 2020, $22,940 IN DONATIONS WERE RECEIVED FROM GENEROUS DONORS AND SPONSORS. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA APPROPRIATED OVER $51,000 FROM CUMULATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO ITS PARTNERS IN AFRICA TOWARDS THIS INITIATIVE. 100% OF CONTRIBUTIONS PROVIDE DIRECT SUPPORT TO FACING THE FUTURE OPERATIONS, INCLUDING MEDICAL SUPPLIES, EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES, MEALS, AND BUILDING EXPENSES. A BOARD MEMBER EMERITUS OF THE NEW CANAAN YMCA CONTINUES AS EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER OF FACING THE FUTURE TO ENSURE QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY WITH PROGRAMS AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BOTH ORGANIZATIONS.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ENCOMPASSES CHILDCARE, EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP, AQUATICS, SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS.THE NEW CANAAN YMCA OFFERS FULL-DAY CHILDCARE SERVING APPROXIMATELY 47 PARTICIPANTS, AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING SERVING APPROXIMATELY 80 PARTICIPANTS AND SCHOOL VACATION DAY PROGRAMMING SERVING AN AVERAGE OF 19 CHILDREN ON EACH OF 11 VACATION DAYS IN 2020. OUR CHILDCARE SERVES CHILDREN 6 WEEKS OLD THROUGH AGE 12, PROVIDING A SAFE AND NURTURING CHILDCARE ENVIRONMENT.ADAPTING TO CHANGING COMMUNITY NEEDS AMIDST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, CHILDCARE PROGRAMS PROVIDED VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY CLOSURE. A REMOTE LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAM WAS IMPLEMENTED DURING THE FALL OF 2020 TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR WORKING FAMILIES AS WELL AS LOCAL TEACHERS WHO REQUIRED CHILDCARE DURING THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS' REMOTE LEARNING SCHEDULES. THE Y PARTNERED WITH THE NEW CANAAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TO OFFER A SUBSIDIZED FEE FOR LOCAL TEACHERS AND SCHOOL STAFF.UNDERSTANDING THE NEED FOR ENGAGING AND ENRICHING ACTIVITIES DURING THE COVID-19 CLOSURE, THE NEW CANAAN YMCA WORKED DILIGENTLY AND PASSIONATELY TO PROVIDE REGULAR YOUTH AND FAMILY AT-HOME PROGRAMMING. PROGRAMMING INCLUDED: 10 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT VIDEOS, INCLUDING ARTS AND CRAFTS, DANCE CLASSES, AND STORY TIME; A WEEKLY VIRTUAL CAMP PROGRAM FEATURING A LARGE VARIETY OF DIFFERENT AT-HOME ACTIVITIES; AND LIVE VIRTUAL FAMILY EVENTS INCLUDING BINGO AND PICTIONARY.THE NEW CANAAN YMCA OFFERS SUMMER CAMP OPTIONS . CAMPERS LEARN CONSIDERATION AND COOPERATION WITH OTHERS, FAIRNESS, INDEPENDENCE AND LEADERSHIP. SUMMER CAMP HELPS TO BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE, SELF-ESTEEM AND A HEALTHY ATTITUDE. IN 2020, APPROXIMATELY 36 TEENS PARTICIPATED IN THE Y'S LEADER-IN-TRAINING AND COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING PROGRAMS, AND 159 CHILDREN (INCLUDING 9 CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS) ATTENDED Y SUMMER CAMP. THE Y'S SPECIAL CARES CAMP PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH A VARIETY OF SPECIAL NEEDS (E.G., DOWN SYNDROME, AUTISM) ALLOWS THE CHILDREN TO BE INCLUDED IN A MAINSTREAM CAMP BY PROVIDING ONE-ON-ONE STAFF TO CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO THEIR FAMILIES. IN 2020, 2 CHILDREN PARTICIPATED IN THE ESY (EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR), 2 CHILDREN IN THE ESY LIT PROGRAM, AND 10 IN Y CAMP JAM.YMCA AQUATIC PROGRAMS PROVIDE SPECIFIC SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY SKILLS, WHILE PROMOTING GOOD HEALTH THROUGH REGULAR EXERCISE. IN 2020, 332 CHILDREN LEARNED TO BECOME SAFER AND MORE CONFIDENT IN THE WATER THROUGH SWIM LESSONS. APPROXIMATELY 338 CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS PARTICIPATED IN THE YMCA'S THREE COMPETITIVE AQUATIC TEAMS AND PROGRAMS. ALL TEAMS FOCUS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROPER MECHANICS, GOAL SETTING, LEADERSHIP AND TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS, SELF-ESTEEM AND THE YMCA FOUR CORE VALUES WITHIN THE REALM OF A SAFE AND MOTIVATING ENVIRONMENT. AS A RESULT, OUR ATHLETES ARE RESPONSIBLE STUDENT-ATHLETES AND ARE GREAT ROLE MODELS FOR OUR COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION TO ATHLETIC AND PERSONAL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, THE COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS PROVIDE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP FRIENDSHIPS AT THE YOUTH AND ADULT LEVEL BY BRINGING DIFFERENT FAMILIES TOGETHER IN SOCIAL OUTINGS AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE. COACHES FROM EACH OF THE TEAMS KEPT THEIR YOUNG ATHLETES ENGAGED, ACTIVE, AND CONNECTED THROUGH DAILY VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSIONS DURING THE COVID-19 FACILITY CLOSURE.DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, ONE SATURDAY NIGHT PER MONTH, THE YMCA IS OPEN EXCLUSIVELY TO YOUTH IN GRADES FIVE THROUGH EIGHT. THE PROGRAM IS OPEN TO ALL IN THE COMMUNITY, REGARDLESS OF MEMBERSHIP STATUS. THE YOUTH WORK OUT IN THE WELLNESS CENTER, GYM, AND POOL, AND PARTAKE IN SPECIAL EVENTS IN A SAFE, SUPERVISED ENVIRONMENT UNDER THE DIRECTION OF Y VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF. AN AVERAGE OF 75 CHILDREN (AGES 10-13) ATTENDED EACH OF THE 2 EVENTS IN 2020.PRIOR TO THE CLOSURE, APPROXIMATELY 860 CHILDREN FROM KINDERGARTEN TO HIGH SCHOOL AGE LEARNED SPORTSMANSHIP, TEAMWORK, AND HAD FUN IN THE NEW CANAAN YMCA'S RECREATIONAL BASKETBALL PROGRAMS EMPHASIZING COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SKILLS AS WELL AS THE Y'S CORE VALUES.

THE NEW CANAAN YMCA IS A COMMUNITY RESOURCE DEDICATED TO PROMOTING WELLNESS AMONG PEOPLE OF ALL AGES THROUGH GOOD HEALTH AND EXERCISE HABITS. OUR PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED TO HELP PEOPLE SET REALISTIC GOALS FOR SELF- IMPROVEMENT AND DISEASE PREVENTION THROUGH AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE, PROPER NUTRITION, AND HEALTH EDUCATION. MEMBERS AGES 15 THROUGH SENIOR MAY PARTICIPATE IN A VARIETY OF CARDIOVASCULAR, STRENGTH TRAINING, MIND-BODY AND NUTRITION PROGRAMS. PRE COVID, THE Y OFFERED OVER 120 DROP-IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS CLASSES PER WEEK. DURING THE COVID-19 FACILITY CLOSURE, THE Y REMAINED COMMITTED AND DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY AND ITS MEMBERS THROUGH BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH. DURING THE CLOSURE, THE Y OFFERED OVER 30 FREE VIRTUAL WORKOUTS AVAILABLE TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY, PLUS LIVE VIRTUAL CLASSES, FEATURING OVER 16,000 VIEWS. CLASSES RANGED FROM YOUTH TO SENIOR FITNESS CLASSES, PLUS WEEKLY NUTRITION VIDEOS, AND WORKOUT CHALLENGES. APPROXIMATELY 29 CHILDREN LEARNED HOW TO SAFELY ACHIEVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AT THE Y THROUGH OUR FAMILIES IN TRAINING PROGRAM, WHICH ENCOURAGES FAMILIES TO WORK-OUT TOGETHER AND FOR KIDS AGES 12 AND OLDER TO BEGIN MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES.

THE YMCA STRIVES TO PROVIDE A WELCOMING, AFFIRMATIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE ALL INDIVIDUALS CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE AND RECEIVE THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT THEY NEED TO IMPROVE THEIR OVERALL WELLNESS REGARDLESS OF ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES. WHILE THE NEED WAS LESSENED DUE TO THE MEMBERSHIP AND PROGRAMMING INTERRUPTION CAUSED BY COVID-19, THE NEW CANAAN YMCA REMAINED COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO REQUIRE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO BENEFIT FROM THE Y'S SERVICES. IN 2020, NEW CANAAN YMCA AWARDED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OF OVER $52,000 TO APPROXIMATELY 84 INDIVIDUALS FOR MEMBERSHIP AND OVER $24,000 TO 71 INDIVIDUALS TOWARD PROGRAM ASSISTANCE.IN 2020, THE YMCA PROVIDED APPROXIMATELY $21,000 IN ASSISTANCE FOR 15 CHILDREN ENROLLED IN THE Y'S CHILDCARE CENTER AND MORE THAN $46,000 IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO 37 CAMPERS TO ATTEND SUMMER CAMP. APPROXIMATELY$34,000 IN ASSISTANCE WAS APPROPRIATED FROM THE PROCEEDS OF Y'S ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT AND A GRANT FROM THE NEW CANAAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,750 WAS APPROPRIATED TO COVER THE EMPLOYMENT COSTS OF THE AIDES AND A NURSE. WITHOUT A NURSE ON SITE THE CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND CAMP. IN 2020, THE NEW CANAAN Y'S SPECIAL NEEDS DEPARTMENT COORDINATED WITH STAR TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS FOR 8 ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. IN ADDITION, THE Y'S SPECIAL NEEDS DEPARTMENT HOSTED WEEKLY VIRTUAL EVENTS FOR THE SPECIAL NEEDS COMMUNITY.IN 2020, THE NEW CANAAN YMCA HOSTED 3 EVENTS FOR FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY. BEFORE COVID-19 AN AVERAGE OF 50 PARTICIPANTS ATTENDED TWO "DIVE-IN" MOVIES WHERE PARTICIPANTS ARE ABLE TO SWIM, FLOAT WHILE WATCHING A MOVIE AND A COMMUNITY "DRIVE-IN" MOVIE IN DECEMBER WITH APPROXIMATELY 44 FAMILIES ENJOYING A NIGHT OUT SAFELY TOGETHER.THE NEW CANAAN YMCA'S TOGETHERHOOD PROGRAM HOSTED THEIR ANNUAL "ADOPT-A-BOX" PROGRAM SOLD 12 BOXES (TO COVER THE COST OF SHIPPING) TO MEMBERS OF OUR Y AND COMMUNITY. EACH PARTICIPANT FILLED THE BOX WITH ITEMS FOR THE MEN AND WOMEN IN THE ARMED SERVICE.THE NEW CANAAN YMCA'S FOREVERWELL PROGRAM ADDRESSES THE NEED TO ENHANCE THE PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS OVER 55. PRIOR TO THE COVID SHUTDOWN, TWO FOREVERWELL POP-UP-LUNCHES WERE SERVED TO AN AVERAGE OF 30 PARTICIPANTS AT EACH LUNCH. PARTICIPANTS HAD TIME TO ENGAGE IN SOCIAL CONVERSATION, MEET NEW PEOPLE, ENJOY DIFFERENT ENRICHING ACTIVITIES.UNDERSTANDING THAT SENIORS WERE AT A GREATER RISK FOR SOCIAL ISOLATION, THE Y REMAINED DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING THIS POPULATION THROUGHOUT THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. THE FOREVERWELL COMMITTEE IDENTIFIED SENIOR MEMBERS AT GREATEST RISK FOR ISOLATION (AGE 70+ WHO HAVE A COUPLE OR SINGLE SENIOR MEMBERSHIP). A TEAM OF ABOUT 12 PEOPLE MADE 627 CHECK-IN CALLS TO MAKE SURE THESE INDIVIDUALS WERE DOING OK PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY. VOLUNTEERS CONTINUED WEEKLY FRIENDLY CALLS AND ASSISTED WITH GROCERY SHOPPING FOR THOSE INTERESTED. REGULAR VIRTUAL WORKOUTS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR AN OLDER POPULATION WERE ALSO MADE AVAILABLE FOR FREE TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.IN 2020, APPROXIMATELY 12 INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATED IN ONE OR MORE SESSIONS OF A CANCER SURVIVOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM CALLED LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA. PARTICIPANTS MET FOR 6 WEEKS AT THE YMCA PRIOR TO THE COVID CLOSURE AND CONTINUED TO MEET VIA VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING DURING AND POST COVID. LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA IS A SMALL GROUP PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR ADULT CANCER SURVIVORS. THE PROGRAM IS OFFERED AT NO CHARGE TO ANY CANCER SURVIVOR IN THE COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION TO THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS, THE PROGRAM PROVIDES PARTICIPANTS A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT AND A FEELING OF COMMUNITY WITH THEIR FELLOW SURVIVORS, YMCA STAFF AND MEMBERS. TO MAINTAIN THE LEVEL OF QUALITY OF THE PROGRAM AND SERVICE TO OUR PARTICIPANTS, OUR INSTRUCTORS ARE REQUIRED TO STAY CURRENT ON THEIR TRAININGS AND ENCOURAGED TO GAIN AS MUCH KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE POPULATION THEY ARE WORKING WITH.THE NEW CANAAN YMCA CONTINUED ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH FACING THE FUTURE, AN ORGANIZATION LOCATED IN THE KENYAN SLUM OF KIBERA, NAIROBI, AFRICA. CURRENTLY, THE ORGANIZATION SERVES APPROXIMATELY 380 CHILDREN. IN 2020, $22,940 IN DONATIONS WERE RECEIVED FROM GENEROUS DONORS AND SPONSORS. THE NEW CANAAN YMCA APPROPRIATED OVER $51,000 FROM CUMULATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO ITS PARTNERS IN AFRICA TOWARDS THIS INITIATIVE. 100% OF CONTRIBUTIONS PROVIDE DIRECT SUPPORT TO FACING THE FUTURE OPERATIONS, INCLUDING MEDICAL SUPPLIES, EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES, MEALS, AND BUILDING EXPENSES. A BOARD MEMBER EMERITUS OF THE NEW CANAAN YMCA CONTINUES AS EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER OF FACING THE FUTURE TO ENSURE QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY WITH PROGRAMS AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BOTH ORGANIZATIONS.