FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

YMCAs ACROSS THE NATION COMMEMORATE NATIONAL FAMILY WEEK

Events to Celebrate Families, Support 2.7 Million Children Without Adequate Family Structures

CHICAGO, November 20, 2005 - Thanksgiving Week always brings our thoughts to family. In fact this Sunday, which precedes Thanksgiving, ushers in the annual National Family Week, November 20 - 26th, a week commemorating family and celebrated by YMCAs and all major child and family - serving organizations throughout the United States.

But as we celebrate, many American families are still under pressure, a large number recovering from the terrible hurricane season. Everyday causes can also be dramatic. A new study from the Federal Interagency Forum on Children and Family finds that nearly five percent (2.7 million) of America's children are experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties that interfere with their ability to learn and create relationships. The study cites poverty and lack of family structure as likely contributors. In honor of National Family Week, Thanksgiving and the beginning of the joyful holiday season, YMCAs across the nation will be hosting events for families that both celebrate the role of American families and offer support for the families and children in their communities that need a hand.

"Families and their healthy children are crucial to our nation's future," said Kenneth L. Gladish, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer, YMCA of the USA (Y - USA). "These reports remind us of the critical task of parenting in our complex society and of the important role that each of us has in supporting parents in the many positive things they do for their children. Community organizations like the YMCAs provide support and guidance when things get tough. But everyone in the community should rally together to support hard - pressed families and to help them build strong kids," Gladish said.

YMCAs, with 20.1 million members nationwide, play a critical role in supporting families and communities across America. From urban areas to small towns, 42 million families and 72 million households are located within three miles of a YMCA. In turn, YMCAs across the country tailor programs to bring families closer together and address a variety of needs. A few diverse examples:

And collectively, YMCAs across America are the nations largest providers of childcare with preschool and afterschool programs at nearly 10,000 sites; childcare that frees more than half a million parents to provide for their families, and often provides financial assistance.

But the YMCAs cannot do everything. "We are a nation of families," Ken Gladish says, "and with surprisingly little effort, each of us can extend a hand to families we know and in small ways make their parenting role easier. Holidays can be stressful and National Family Week and Thanksgiving offer the perfect time to lend a hand!!

Y - USA's own studies conducted in 2003 and 2004 in partnership with the Search Institute of Minneapolis, a research and child advocacy group, found that parents felt they were "going it alone" in raising their children and need the support of family, trusted adult friends and community organizations - - support that they seldom request. Those wishing to help families or wanting to participate in National Family Week events should call their local YMCAs. To find a Y, visit www.ymca.net or (800) 872 - 9622.

The Federal Interagency Forum's report, "America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well - Being 2005," was issued in July 2005.

Search Institute is an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide leadership, knowledge, and resources to promote healthy children, youth, and communities. Visit www.search - institute.org

YMCA of the USA is national resource office for America's 2,594 YMCAs, collectively the nation's largest community service organization and charity of choice. YMCAs serve 20.1 million people, including 9.7 million children, through a broad range of programs. YMCAs are for people of all faiths, races, ages, incomes and abilities. Financial assistance is available. Visit www.ymca.net

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Arnold Collins
YMCA of the USA
312 - 419 - 8418