Clark YMCA = Community Support
During these challenging times, it is great to see such community support. We see a real neighbors-helping-neighbors effort out there and think this effort warrants mentioning here.
First, we saw women supporting other women through the Women's Day Fair hosted by the Clark YMCA at the Senior Center in early March. Not only were local support groups present, but folks participated in a purse swap and encouraged one another to get more involved in the community.
Secondly, the Clark YMCA is proud to be an organization that supports so many groups throughout the community. Winchendon Pop Warner utilizes the playing fields and a sizeable storage area in the former ice rink — all at no charge. Little League utilizes the playing field during the season and the former ice rink space for pre-season drills in all age groups and divisions, both baseball and softball — all at no charge. Various groups involved with Scouting have capitalized on the significant foot traffic and location at the Clark YMCA for various things, such as registration and cookie sales. It is no secret how beneficial these programs are in developing youth into responsible, caring, motivated adults. The Clark YMCA will continue to be an involved partner for such worthwhile programs.
Another way the Clark YMCA supports the community is through various civic groups, school functions, and church events. The Clark YMCA is there to offer support by donating raffle items, promoting the event on the marquee or website, or collaborating to enhance a special event. One good example of collaboration is in the plans for this June, when school representatives will rally motivated parents to host a Lock-In at the Clark YMCA after the annual High School Prom. This all night event is planned to impact ugly statistics that take place after such functions when teens are tempted to experiment with drugs, alcohol, and sexual activity, often leading to major car accidents, teen age pregnancy or even death. It is a commendable effort from our local school district and the Clark YMCA is proud to be a part of it — again, at no cost to the school other than covering the nominal expenses of lifeguards and a custodian.
During December's Ice Storm, the Clark YMCA opened its doors to the community for warm showers, a meeting place for families, and a place to warm up from the cold. After going door to door in some area of the community, announcements at the local shelter, and flyers posted in town to inform folks about this opportunity for warm showers, we were thrilled with the response we received as people took us up on the offer — again at no expense to the community. People were very appreciative. With all the inconveniences and challenges brought on by the ice storm, it was amazing to see how a warm shower impacted the attitude of so many.
Finally, perhaps a little less glamorous, but arguably the most important thing we do, is the ongoing effort the Clark YMCA invests in getting the community involved through program and membership subsidies. Each year the Clark YMCA mobilizes a number of devoted volunteers who dedicate themselves to raising much needed funds for the Clark YMCA to distribute to qualified families to offset their membership and program fees. Without such financial support, many people simply could not afford to get their children involved in healthy activities at the Clark YMCA. To date, the Clark YMCA has raised 80% of the $50,000 goal through generous contributions from the community. So far, 447 different people enrolled in child care, swim lessons, gymnastics classes, members of the swim or gym team, and participants of youth soccer and basketball. They've all participated in these character developing programs due to this important campaign effort.
With the economic downturn and the resulting unemployment rate, the Clark YMCA has realized a sharp increase in the number of subsidy applications this year. Many people have lost their employment, yet the Clark YMCA has been there to help. Not only is it important to keep the children involved in programs that promote character development, teamwork and friendships, but it is also important for adults to stay involved, as well. It is vital to our health that we stay physically active as a way deal with the anxiety and stress associated with unemployment. It is imperative that we remain socially interactive as a way to network for new opportunities. It is essential for us to keep emotionally connected with a group of friends at times when we need it most. We believe the demand on this year's campaign will require an extraordinary effort — we simply have to find a way to keep these kids and families involved in such valuable programming.
So, when you sit down to consider your charitable giving — perhaps as soon as that tax return arrives — please consider the Clark YMCA as one of your top three charities of choice. We're not only assisting local families in need, but the Clark YMCA is also a major contributor to the community. When times get tough, good things happen through a renewed sense of community. We're proud to promote such community involvement — and to be a part of making a difference!
Respectfully,
David T. Romanowski
President, Board of Directors
Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA
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