South Shore YMCA Launches 2014 Annual Campaign to Support Community Needs

The South Shore YMCA launched its annual campaign this month to ensure that everyone on the South Shore has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Every day, the South Shore YMCA works to support people and neighborhoods through community programs, services and outreach - such as providing safe and supportive environments for children and teens during out of school time, offering inclusive programing to help individuals with developmental and physical disabilities become more confident, connected and independent, and partnering with local schools to ensure every child has the opportunity to take swim lessons and receive water safety education.

“Throughout the South Shore, countless people know the Y. But there’s so much more to our Y than one might think,” said Paul Gorman, President & CEO of the South Shore Y.  “The Y is more than a gym. It’s a cause. As a charity, we’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors.” 

This year, the South Shore YMCA hopes to raise $2,294,701 as an association with each local branch working toward an individual fundraising goal. Funds raised will support financial assistance opportunities for programs including child care, summer camp and the Partnership Program, which partners individuals with disabilities or requiring special assistance with a volunteer exercise partner and a structured exercise program using adaptive equipment. More importantly, 100-percent of donations stay in the local community, having a direct impact on residents right in your own neighborhood.

Connie and Bill Weeks, Hanover Residents and Emilson YMCA Members, have chosen to share their story with fellow members and the community in an effort to help raise awareness of the life changing impact the Y is able to make as a result of charitable donations.

Connie faithfully drives her husband Bill, who suffered a stroke last summer, to the Emilson YMCA every Tuesday and Wednesday for what they call his “best hope” for walking again - the Hale Family Aquatic Center. Bill’s mobility was severely limited by his stroke. Bill’s time in the pool, according to Connie, is the most inspiring hours of his week, “We know he will walk again, thanks to the Y and his weekly activity the pool.” Bill’s pool therapy is assisted by volunteers and staff who work in the Emilson Partnership Program. The Partnership program is committed to helping individuals with disabilities overcome barriers to being active and ensuring everyone is given the opportunity to be healthy, confident, connected and secure. “We know Bill will walk again and it’s because of the Y,” Connie says.

To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please contact Mary Orne, Development Director at 781-264-9453 or morne@ssymca.org, or visit ssymca.org/donations f