For many children, families and adults, the Y is a family. It is a place to come where they can learn, grow and thrive. But many need your help to benefit from this opportunity.

You know the faces of need in our community as well as we do: children in need of safe care and educational support; teens in need of positive role models and activities; and families who need a place to spend time together where they can grow in spirit, mind and body.

The YMCA of Greater Richmond is committed to meeting these needs and others through such programs as child care, camp, youth sports and health and wellness. Your gift improves a life. It keeps the Y open to all, making sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive through the Y.

Learn how the YMCA of Greater Richmond is building Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

A Message from the Annual Giving Chair

Brad Booker

Giving back to my community is an essential part of who I am as a professional, a person of faith and a family man. I am honored to chair a great team of volunteers from across our region who are giving time, talent and treasure to the Y to ensure that everyone has a chance to learn, grow and thrive. Thank you for considering a gift to the Y to benefit your neighbors in need.

Annual Support Campaign

The YMCA adds extra support for the four historic urban Ys along Route 1 – Northside, Downtown, Manchester (including YMCA Camp Thunderbird) and Petersburg. Along this corridor, needs outweigh available resources. Your contribution to the Strengthening Communities Fund keeps the Y open to all.

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Preschool: Children who attend preschool at the Downtown and North Richmond Ys perform better in school and gain tools necessary to succeed in life. Your gift will help 150 children gain the fundamental skills they need to be fully prepared for kindergarten; 97 percent of these children will receive financial assistance.

After-School Care: More than 500 students will benefit from after-school care at sites operated by our four historic urban Ys; 40 percent of the children receive financial assistance. Two new sites are the after-school program at Woodville Elementary School in Richmond’s East End, which is fully subsidized, and the Mary Tyler McClenahan Child Development Center in a Better Housing Coalition community, Winchester Greens. This center serves infants, early learners and elementary school children.

FOR HEALTHY LIVING
Learn to Swim: We can prevent drowning. Your gift helps to ensure that 1,500 second grade students will develop basic swim and water safety skills through this free program. LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA: Seventy cancer survivors will participate at the Downtown and Petersburg Ys in a 12-week program that provides essential support, renews strength and builds self-esteem after medical treatment.

FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Based on our experience of the last three years, we anticipate that more than half of all new members at the four historic urban Ys will need financial assistance to enable them to benefit from our many programs and offerings. Cost should not be a barrier to joining the Y family.