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

photo: courtesy of the NBA

Kids at Chicago’s South Side YMCA Get New Basketball Court, Courtesy of NBA Cares

As part of a national alliance with YMCA of the USA, on Aug. 23, 2010, NBA Cares and EA Sports unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court at Chicago’s South Side YMCA – an affiliate of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Seventy-five boys and girls tested out the new court, with a little help from NBA legend Kendall Gill and NBA player Bobby Simmons, who spoke to the kids about the importance of education, healthy living and physical activity. Read More

August 27, 2010

The Y Recognizes National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national resource office for the nation’s 2,687 Ys, joins more than 70 national organizations to lead a community response to childhood obesity, during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month this September. Read More

August 27, 2010

photo: Courtesy of WWLP-TV

The YMCA, More Than Swimming, Gym and Camp

To many people, the YMCA means swimming, working out in their gym and attending camp. But the YMCA has so much more to it than that. On the heels of the Y’s brand revitalization, James Morton, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, talks about the Y’s cause and the impact the YMCA of Greater Springfield is making in the community. Mass Appeal/WWLP-TV

August 23, 2010

Ken Colloton Elected President of the World Alliance of YMCAs

Ken Colloton, immediate past Board Chair of YMCA of the USA, is elected president of the World Alliance of YMCAs, a federation of national YMCA movements from 130 countries. Read More

August 18, 2010

Phoenix YMCA, United Healthcare Take on Diabetes

There's been a lot of talk about bringing down health care costs in our country -- but why not attack the problem before it becomes one? The YMCA and United Healthcare have started a new diabetes prevention program for people at risk for pre-diabetes, with Phoenix as one of seven cities in America trying out the program. My Fox Phoenix

August 17, 2010

School Spotlight: YMCA Dance Camp Keeps Children on Their Toes

The dance camp at the Dane County YMCA branches in Wisconsin this summer is introducing children to various kinds of dance while helping them burn off energy inside, where they can temporarily escape the heat. Wisconsin State Journal

August 15, 2010

YMCA Kids Take on Project to Benefit the Community

Students ages 9-12 at the Clearfield YMCA Daycare in Pennsylvania have taken on a project that is benefiting not only others in the community, but themselves as well: restoring old bikes and then giving them to other kids whose families might not be able to afford a bike for their child. The Progress

August 14, 2010

photos: Courtesy of Hometownlife.com

Fun, Learning Combine for Day Campers

The Royal Oak YMCA in Detroit gives campers an opportunity to play and get outdoors, while teaching them values of respect, responsibility, caring and honesty. Hometownlife.com

August 1, 2010

Deer Valley YMCA Family Camp Welcomes ‘Today’ Show

The Today show’s Amy Robach recently took her daughters to the Deer Valley YMCA Family Camp in Fort Hill, Pa., where families have gone for more than 50 years to get away from ringing phones and televisions to commune with nature, and each other. MSNBC

July 31, 2010