social responsibility – YMCA of Greater Toledo

2024 Week of Prayer

Posted on November 10, 2024 Updated on October 24, 2024 by Rosalyn Whickum

For nearly 100 years, the World YMCA and World YWCA have come together to host the Week of Prayer (November 10-16). The theme chosen for this year is “Moving with Faith Through the Elements.”

If you’d like to participate with us, you can start by downloading the 2024 devotional booklet here: https://www.ymca.int/week-of-prayer/.

History of the Week of Prayer

In a letter to the London YMCA in 1856, F.R. Starr of Philadelphia suggested, “the appointment of a week to be simultaneously observed by the Young Men’s Christian Associations throughout the world for Prayer for the conversion of the world, and for young men especially”.

In 1867 at the 5th World Conference in Paris, the American delegation made the proposal to consecrate Sunday 2nd November and every evening of the week following that day for special prayer for all associations throughout the world. But it was only in 1875 at the 7th World Conference in Hamburg that the second Sunday of November was fixed as the beginning of the “Week of Prayer”.

In 1891, the “Week of Prayer” was included in the Constitution of the World Alliance of YMCAs. In 1901 the YWCA and the YMCA agreed “on the adoption of the same subjects for the annual Week of Prayer”. In 1904 a joint call to prayer was issued by the World YWCA and the World Alliance of YMCAs, and the joint Week of Prayer has continued since that time.

Beginning with 1927, messages of the President of the World YWCA and the President of the World Alliance of YMCAs were included in the call to prayer. In 1931 the name of the Week was expanded to “The Week of Prayer and World Fellowship”. Since 1948, the booklets for the Week of Prayer have been presented with pictures, daily messages and appropriate Bible texts and prayers. Since 1942, the World YWCA and the World Alliance of YMCAs have published jointly a booklet each year for the Week of Prayer.

Visit https://www.ymca.int/week-of-prayer/ for more info on the Week of Pra

Honoring Our Heroes: YMCA Programs Supporting Military Families and First Responders

Posted on November 1, 2024 Updated on October 24, 2024 by Rosalyn Whickum

As we enter Military Family Month this November, the YMCA of Greater Toledo is proud to celebrate the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of our active duty military, veterans, first responders, and their families. With a range of programs and memberships, we’re here to support the health, wellness, and overall well-being of these heroes in our community, offering specialized memberships, discounted rates, and partnerships tailored to their unique needs.

Task Force 20 Membership: Supporting Veterans with PTSD

In partnership with Task Force 20, a local non-profit, the YMCA offers veterans struggling with PTSD a way to improve their mental health through fitness and wellness programs. Task Force 20’s mission is to connect veterans to supportive activities that help reduce the rate of veteran suicide. Veterans interested in joining the YMCA under the Task Force 20 Membership can reach out to Task Force 20 directly to start this journey.

Hero Discount Membership: Giving Back to Those Who Give So Much

For active duty military, veterans, and first responders, we offer a 15% discount on memberships. This discount is our way of honoring the service and dedication of these individuals. Signing up is simple: visit any of our 10 YMCA locations, let our membership team know you’re applying for the Hero Discount Membership, and provide the required documentation within seven days.

Department of Armed Forces Membership through YMCA Military Outreach

The YMCA of Greater Toledo also participates in the Department of Defense’s Armed Forces Military Outreach Programs. Through this initiative, we offer memberships for military families. Members interested in enrolling should contact their Commanding Officer for further details.

25 Years of Supporting Military Families

For over 25 years, YMCAs across the country have celebrated Military Family Month in November, providing an opportunity for Americans to recognize the sacrifices of military personnel and their families. Throughout the year, YMCA’s programs and initiatives offer spaces for families to connect, kids to build friendships, and adults to achieve their health and wellness goals.

The YMCA’s Military Outreach Initiative has provided over 87,000 Y memberships to military members and families nationwide, and over 164,000 children have benefited from childcare support. The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), in partnership with the U.S. government, continues to support these families through programs like the Respite Child Care program.

Learn More

Military Family Month is a time to recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by our military families, and the YMCA of Greater Toledo is committed to supporting these families all year long. Whether through specialized memberships, childcare services, or community programs, we’re here for you.

To learn more about the Y’s military programming visit our hero opportunities webpage .

Thank you to all of our local heroes and their families!

Six Tips to Keep in Mind for National Water Safety Month

Posted on May 1, 2024 Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rosalyn Whickum

Six Tips to Keep in Mind for National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. The YMCA of Greater Toledo is sharing these six tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.

Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.

Tip # 2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.

When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

Tip # 3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.

Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

Tip # 4: Don’t engage in breath holding activities.

Both adults and children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.

Tip # 5: Wear a life jacket.

Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.

Tip # 6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.

If an adult or child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if they are a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, an adult or child can help their friend without compromising their own safety.

Mental Health Community Care at the Y

Posted on April 29, 2024 Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rosalyn Whickum

Mental Health Community Care at the Y

The YMCA of Greater Toledo is always encouraging community members to care for themselves and others.

Mental health is how we think, feel and act. At the Y, we recognize that we all have mental health, and mental health is an important part of our overall health and social-emotional well-being, as well as a core component of our identity.

The Y supports the mental health of individuals and communities in all the work we do to help people reach their full potential—whether that’s teaching life skills to youth in our summer camps, supporting our staff, helping people achieve their best physical health or helping newcomer immigrants access services. This type of non-clinical support is called “community care” and includes:

· Understanding mental health as something we all have—it is how we think, feel, and act.

· Applying positive self-care practices routinely.

· Engaging in conversations in a genuine way, with empathy and the intent of building meaningful relationships.

· Understanding and applying trauma-informed guiding principles when interacting with others.

· Understanding the impact of social determinants of health, systemic racism, discrimination and marginalization on mental health.

· Modeling emotion regulation, co-regulation, and effective coping skills.

· Recognizing signs that someone may be struggling.

· Connecting individuals to primary and specialty support when needed.

· Providing initial response in crisis situations.

· Initiating dialogue and collaborating with others to embed mental health informal care support throughout the community.

All the above are informed by practices found in social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care and suicide prevention. Through this work, we can reduce the risk and impact of mental illness, provide early intervention, and support the process of healing and recovery. We also provide a critical bridge to formal mental health care providers when needed.

Everyone can play a role in mental health community care. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Y encourages you to identify simple ways you can care for yourself and others, such as:

· Using your powers of observation to notice when someone may be struggling with a hard day, moment or situation.

· Intentionally asking “how are you?” and encouraging honest answers so others can share and feel heard.

· Bringing empathy, compassion and kindness to your daily interactions.

· When you notice someone struggling, connecting them to mental health resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org).

The Impact of Volunteer Coaches: Empowering Youth Through Sports at YMCA

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Rosalyn Whickum

The Impact of Volunteer Coaches:
Empowering Youth Through Sports at YMCA

Did you know that every year, the YMCA of Greater Toledo’s Youth Sports program introduces over 4,5000 children to the world of sports and teamwork? It’s an incredible opportunity to shape young lives and foster a love for physical activity that lasts a lifetime. But to continue making this impact, we need your help.

Volunteer coaches play a crucial role in our program, providing more than just instruction on the field. They create a safe and supportive environment where children can learn and grow, instilling values like teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance along the way. By dedicating just a few hours each week, volunteer coaches have the power to make a significant difference in a child’s life.

Becoming a coach at the YMCA means becoming part of a larger family—a community united by a shared mission to empower youth and strengthen communities. While prior coaching experience is helpful, what truly matters is a willingness to serve as a mentor and role model for young athletes.

Our volunteer coaches receive training, equipment, and resources to ensure they feel confident and prepared to lead their teams. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone who simply wants to give back, there’s a place for you in our Youth Sports program.

If you’re interested in making a positive impact in your community and empowering the next generation of athletes and leaders, consider becoming a volunteer coach at the YMCA. Visit the Member Service Desk at your local branch or contact the Sports Coordinator to learn more about how you can get involved.

Together, we can make a difference—one child at a time. Join us in building a healthier, stronger community through the power of sports and mentorship.

Press Release: YMCA of Greater Toledo COMMITTED TO SAFETY, ACHIEVES PRAESIDIUM ACCREDITATION

Posted on April 17, 2024 by Rosalyn Whickum

Toledo,OH – The YMCA of Greater Toledo, has been awarded Praesidium Accreditation® by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management. Praesidium Accreditation® is a prestigious honor that publicly demonstrates the organization has worked to achieve the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.

To achieve Accreditation, the YMCA underwent a rigorous process to implement Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards focusing on eight primary operational areas within their business: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding, and administrative practices. Praesidium then verified the YMCA’s successful implementation of these standards. The YMCA will be accredited for three years, and during this time will commit to uphold fundamental organizational values and stringent safety practices that demonstrate their commitment to protecting those in their care from abuse.

Praesidium Accreditation® provides solid proof of sound risk management practices and the honor distinguishes the YMCA from others in their industry. “We are pleased to send the message that we will not compromise the safety of those in our care—for any reason,” said Brad Toft, YMCA of Greater Toledo, President/CEO. “As an entire organization, we are dedicated and committed to proactively keeping those in our care safe from abuse.”

The YMCA embodies inclusivity, uniting individuals of all genders and ages through a collective dedication to empowering children, advocating for wellness, and cultivating a community-minded ethos. For further information, please visit ymcatoledo.org.

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About the YMCA of Greater Toledo

The YMCA of Greater Toledo embodies inclusivity, uniting individuals of all genders and ages through a collective dedication to empowering children, advocating for wellness, and cultivating a community-minded ethos. For further information, please visit ymcatoledo.org.

Y Achievers is tailored for individuals aged 14-18. It emphasizes high school completion, career readiness, and preparing youth for post-high school life. The program includes homework help, leadership training, career exploration, college/trades preparation, community service projects, work readiness, and life skills development.

About Praesidium

Praesidium specializes in preventing sexual abuse in organizations that serve youth and vulnerable adults. Over a period in excess of 30 years, the company has reviewed over 4,000 cases of abuse within organizations to determine the root causes of sexual abuse within organizational settings. Praesidium employs more than 50 staff, including licensed social workers, lawyers, health care researchers, and other experts. The company has served over 5,000 clients with a broad range of products and services to aid organizations in preventing abuse, including online and instructor–led trainings, organizational risk assessments, model policies, and background checks. Having trained more than one million people online and hundreds of thousands in person, Praesidium is the largest and most comprehensive sexual abuse risk management firm globally.

Empowering Communities: The Impact of Supporting Anthony Wayne YMCA

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Rosalyn Whickum

Empowering Communities: The Impact of Supporting Anthony Wayne YMCA

Updated: 03.26.24

In a world where many often experience financial barriers, finding ways to support one another becomes vital. Crystal Tollstam, the Executive Director of the Anthony Wayne YMCA, captures the essence of community support in her words: “The YMCA’s yearly fundraiser is crucial for helping people in need in our community.” These words resonate deeply, reflecting the mission of the YMCA to provide inclusive opportunities for all, regardless of financial constraints.

At the heart of the YMCA’s mission is the belief that everyone deserves access to programs that promote health and well-being. Thanks to generous donations, the Anthony Wayne YMCA is able to provide memberships and free programming, ensuring that individuals and families from all walks of life can participate. This inclusivity not only fosters physical health but also nurtures a sense of belonging and community spirit.

For Juliana and Josie Gillen, members of the Anthony Wayne YMCA, the impact of this community support is profound. They share, “The YMCA has been a staple in our lives… the level of comfortability is unmatched.” This sentiment echoes the sentiment of many who find solace and encouragement within the YMCA’s welcoming environment. Beyond just a gym, it becomes a place where relationships flourish and personal growth is nurtured.

“The Anthony Wayne Y has had a tremendous positive impact on the lives of my wife and I. We have both experienced life-changing transformations both physically and holistically. Going to Y has become part of an everyday routine and we have seen such great health improvements in our mood, in our sleep, in our cardiovascular and overall strength, increased energy, and in the ability to find balance in our lives. We don't know what we would do without the Y in our lives and feel blessed every day to be a part of the Y family!”

“The YMCA's yearly fundraiser is crucial for helping people in need in our community. Thanks to donations, it provides memberships and free programming, giving everyone a chance to improve their health and well-being. By removing financial obstacles, the YMCA ensures that everyone can benefit from its programs. This collective effort not only brings our community together but also shows compassion and support for those facing challenges.”

“The YMCA has been a staple in our lives since we can remember. More recently as we’ve gotten older, we’ve grown to appreciate the Anthony Wayne branch because of the phenomenal management, friendly community and the level of comfortability is unmatched. Because of the YMCA, we have been able to grow in so many different ways. As me and my sister get older and busier with our schedules going to the gym is the time we carve out to do something together. The YMCA has become such a big part of our lives, and we love our YMCA community.”

Rob and Nicole Kemmer’s testimonial further underscores the transformative power of the Anthony Wayne YMCA. They express gratitude for the holistic shifts they’ve experienced, from physical health to emotional well-being. Their story is a testament to the YMCA’s commitment to the wellness of mind, body, and spirit, recognizing that true health encompasses more than just physical fitness.

Supporting the Anthony Wayne YMCA isn’t just about funding a facility; it’s about investing in the health and vitality of our community. It’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive. By contributing to the YMCA’s yearly fundraiser, individuals are not only supporting their own health journey but also extending a hand to those who may need it most.

The Anthony Wayne YMCA stands as a place where barriers are broken down, friendships are forged, and lives are transformed. Together, let’s continue to support the Anthony Wayne YMCA and build healthier, more vibrant communities for all.

Annual Campaign Watch: Wolf Creek YMCA

Posted on March 14, 2024 Updated on March 27, 2024 by Rosalyn Whickum

WOLF CREEK & 2024 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

This year’s Annual Campaign theme is “Y for You. Y For All,”. Annual Campaign impact goes beyond traditional membership fees, driving essential programs and activities that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

41.2% of the 12,114 members at the Wolf Creek Y receive financial assistance. The Annual Campaign makes this possible, empowering the Y to be a force for positive change in the community. Let’s explore how your contribution to the Annual Campaign can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families at the Wolf Creek YMCA.

“The Y gives me a chance to exercise, and it also gives me a great sense of community.” - Bob Lineen

The Wolf Creek YMCA goes beyond traditional fitness programs, offering a diverse range of activities to cater to the varied interests and needs of our members. From pickleball to arts & humanities, and water exercise classes, the Y becomes a hub for active engagement. Bob Lineen, a member, expresses, “The Y gives me a chance to exercise, and it also gives me a great sense of community.” Your support directly contributes to fostering a healthy and connected community.

Youth Programming

Youth empowerment lies at the core of our mission, and the numbers speak volumes. In 2023, more than 3,000 youth participated in various programs, including sports like soccer, swim and piano lessons. These initiatives not only provide children with self-confidence but also instill a sense of belonging and deliver various physical health benefits.

Personal Training Success Story

The impact of the Wolf Creek YMCA extends beyond the physical activities offered. Personal training testimonies, like that of an 83-year-old member, showcase the life-changing outcomes made possible by your support. “Thanks to personal training with Terri for the past 4 years, I am able to do things most 83-year-olds are not able to do,” shares the member. The Y has become a source of strength, allowing individuals to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy an exceptional quality of life.

Your Support Matters

The Wolf Creek YMCA Annual Campaign is not just about raising funds; it’s about creating a positive ripple effect that transforms lives. Your support directly contributes to the success stories, statistics, and testimonials that make our community stronger, healthier, and more connected. Join us in giving to the Wolf Creek YMCA’s Annual Campaign, and let’s continue making a difference together.

Why you should consider a role in YMCA Child Care or Aquatics

Posted on October 30, 2023 Updated on March 28, 2024 by Rosalyn Whickum

As a non-profit organization, the YMCA relies heavily on its staff to deliver quality services to its members and the community. In particular, the child care and aquatics departments require qualified staff to fulfill their duties. Without these essential team members, the YMCA would be unable to provide vital services to the community, such as instilling a love of learning in children and teaching them how to swim.

However, like many other businesses and organizations, the YMCA is experiencing a lull in hiring. The biggest needs for staff are in child care and aquatics, which are essential services that cannot be provided without qualified staff. This is where you come in. By joining the YMCA team, you have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children and adults in your community.

One of the benefits of working for the YMCA is the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. As a staff member, you have the chance to help children learn and grow and to teach them valuable life skills like swimming and water safety. In addition, the YMCA offers several benefits to employees, such as free membership, flexibility, and paid time off. These benefits can make a significant difference in the quality of life for staff members.

Furthermore, working at the YMCA can be an excellent opportunity to learn applicable skills for future employment opportunities. The organization offers training and development opportunities that can help you grow professionally and advance your career. The YMCA also offers full-time positions within the organization, which can provide a stable and fulfilling career path.

Working for the YMCA can be a rewarding experience that offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community. By joining the team, you can help provide essential services to children and adults and learn valuable skills for your future career. If you are passionate about helping others and making a difference, consider joining the YMCA team today!

Task Force 20 Membership: Supporting Veterans with PTSD

Hero Discount Membership: Giving Back to Those Who Give So Much

Department of Armed Forces Membership through YMCA Military Outreach

25 Years of Supporting Military Families

Learn More

Six Tips to Keep in Mind for National Water Safety Month

Mental Health Community Care at the Y

The Impact of Volunteer Coaches:
Empowering Youth Through Sports at YMCA

Empowering Communities: The Impact of Supporting Anthony Wayne YMCA

WOLF CREEK & 2024 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

“The Y gives me a chance to exercise, and it also gives me a great sense of community.” - Bob Lineen

Youth Programming

Personal Training Success Story

Your Support Matters

YMCA of Greater Toledo

Our Mission

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