FROM THE GROUND UP

A Brand New Day: The YMCA to Further Community Impact

For the first time in 43 years, the YMCA has unveiled a new brand strategy to increase understanding of the impact the nonprofit makes in communities. Through its new brand strategy and framework, the nonprofit will extend its reach into communities to nurture the potential of youth and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to support neighbors. Read more

July 12, 2010

NEWS FROM THE Y

U.S. House of Representatives Pays Tribute to the Y's 125th Anniversary of Camping

The 125th anniversary of camping at the Y is recognized in the “Congressional Record”, read by U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey of New York. Read More

July 20, 2010

YMCA Youth to Meet with WNBA Champs Phoenix Mercury at the White House

Thirty kids from the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington meet with the 2009 WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury at the White House to learn about the importance of physical activity, nutrition and self-confidence. Read More

July 19, 2010

Campfire Illuminates YMCA Milestone

photos: Al Lassen/For the Enquirer

Calling it the world's largest campfire was symbolic, because the inferno itself raged only in a small, metal backyard fire pit perched on a stage. In honor of the 125th anniversary of camping at the Y, around 200 campers, counselors, staff members and parents watched the fierce little fire Wednesday evening at the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center in Augusta. It was called the largest campfire because the same thing was happening simultaneously at 2,000 YMCA camps around the country. THE ENQUIRER

July 16, 2010

Video: The Y Launches New Brand Strategy

Video: New Brand Strategy

Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on July 12, YMCA leaders unveil a new brand strategy to reinforce the organization’s commitment to strengthening communities. Video

July 14, 2010

Holdrege YMCA Helping Kids Become Young Entrepreneurs

Tomorrow's business owners huddle around a table excitedly sharing their ideas for making money and starting their own businesses. They range in age from 10 to 13 and are part of the 4-H and YMCA of the Prairie Biz Kids class. They still need their parents' permission to open checking accounts, but they are ready to make a leap into business ownership. Lexington Clipper-Herald

July 13, 2010

Ernestine Shepherd: Learn How This Grandmother Went From Flab to Fab

photo: Good Morning America

At 74, Baltimore grandmother Ernestine Shepherd is the Guinness World Records' oldest female bodybuilder. But less than 20 years ago, she hated what she saw in the dressing room mirror as she tried on swimsuit after swimsuit. Watch the story about her journey to healthy living as she gives tips to seniors from the McBurney YMCA in New York. Good Morning America

July 13, 2010

YMCA Launches New Brand to Draw Attention to What it Can Do for Communities

More than 66 percent of Americans believe the quality of life in their community declined in the last year. Only 24 percent believe it will get better. The results come from a community snapshot survey conducted by the national YMCA, and they suggest our nation needs not only a revitalization, but a willingness to believe we can overcome these economic doldrums and regain our greatness. As it's done so many times during its 160-year history, the YMCA stands primed to fuel just such a revival. St. Petersburg Times

July 13, 2010