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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

YMCA Leaders Highlight Important Community Role of Y Programs in Visits With Members of Congress

Congressional members honored for their efforts to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

WASHINGTON D.C., March 6, 2007—More than 200 YMCA leaders from across the country will be in Washington, DC March 6-8 to visit members of Congress to discuss the vital role that YMCAs play in communities nationwide. The visits are part of an annual legislative conference sponsored by YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for this country’s 2,663 YMCAs. YMCA leaders will also hear from national experts about issues important to their mission.

“The programs of the YMCA may differ from community to community, but our goals remain consistent nationwide – to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities,” said President and CEO of YMCA of the USA Neil Nicoll. “YMCAs have a tremendous impact in the communities they serve, therefore they must help shape policies that impact their work so they can continue to provide valuable services – whether its childcare, camping, youth, older adult, or health and well-being programs.”

This year the YMCA of the USA is recognizing two members of the U.S. Senate and two members of the U.S. House of Representatives with the YMCA Congressional Champion award for their part in helping to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. This year’s recipients are Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Max Baucus (D-MT) and U.S. Representatives Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Jim McCrery (R-LA).

In addition, YMCA leaders are asking Congress to support the following:

Increase funding to expand the YMCA Pioneering Healthier Communities™ program – an initiative currently serving 46 communities nationwide that helps facilitate changes that promote healthier living.
Maintain or restore funding for other programs that support healthy living, including Steps to a HealthierUS and Carol M. White PEP grants and co-sponsor the Promoting Lifelong Active Communities Every Day (PLAY Every Day) Act.
Increase funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, Head Start and Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG).
Support tax incentives to encourage charitable giving and increase oversight and transparency of nonprofit sector.
Provide $1 million for the Jerusalem International YMCA (JIY)

YMCAs serve 20.2 million people, half of whom are under the age of 18, in nearly 10,000 diverse communities and neighborhoods across the U.S., and are collectively the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of child care and afterschool programs. In addition, YMCAs offer a broad range of programs including health and well-being, civic engagement, and camping that help build spirit, mind and body for all.

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For more information, please contact:

Kelly Kennai
202-835-9043