Category: social responsibility

The Impact of Sharing Your Y Story

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

At the YMCA, we’re more than just a gym or a fitness center. We’re a community where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together to grow, learn, and support one another. One of the most powerful ways we do this is by sharing our Y stories with each other.

Your Y story is a unique reflection of how the YMCA has impacted your life. Maybe you found your passion for healthy living through a fitness program, or maybe you met your best friend in a group exercise class. Perhaps you enrolled your child in our Child Care program and saw them develop new skills and relationships.

Whatever your Y story may be, we believe that it deserves to be heard. By sharing your story, you’re not only honoring your own journey, but you’re also inspiring others to discover the benefits of the YMCA community.

We’re inviting members, staff, and volunteers to share their Y stories with us through text, photo, or video. Additionally,  those who submit a Y story on video, will be entered into a drawing for a YMCA gift card.

 
 

EVERYONE HAS A Y STORY

Share yours today!

SHARE CONNECT BELONG

By listening to each other’s stories, we’re able to catch a glimpse of all the hope, strength, and determination across the YMCA and how everyone’s living the Y’s values.
 Beyond the chance to win a prize, sharing your Y story is an opportunity to connect with others and contribute to the larger mission of the YMCA. By listening to each other’s stories, we’re reminded of the values that unite us: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
 

Whether you’ve been a part of the YMCA community for years or are just starting to get involved, we want to hear from you. Your Y story is important, and we’re grateful for the chance to learn from and be inspired by your experiences.

WLRN Women’s Empowerment Panel

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

On October 6 the YMCA of Greater Toledo’s, Women’s Leadership Resource Network hosted a professional development panel that featured insightful women leaders across the community to share their expertise, wisdom, and differing perspectives. 

The panelists included: 

 Lisa Hawker Chief Growth Officer, Hylant Group, Inc

Wendi R. Huntley, Esq. President & CEO, Connecting Kids To Meals

Andrea Gwyn, FACHE President, Mercy Health – St.Anne Hospital

Wendy Pestrue, JD President & CEO, United Way of Greater Toledo

Sharon Speyer Regional President, The Huntington National Bank

The panelist were introduced by WLRN Chair and Eastern Community YMCA Member Experience Director, Erin Fisher. The panel discussion was moderated by Rosalyn Whickum, YMCA of Greater Toledo Digital Media Specialist. Nearly 30 people were in attendance, representing the YMCA and other companies and organizations in the Greater Toledo community. 

“It was such an honor to be on a panel with these amazing community leaders!, said Lisa Hawker of Hylant Group, Inc. 

The YMCA’s WLRN looks forward to holding similar professional development events in the future. 

The event was recorded and is available to view below. 

 

The Value of Camp: Affordability and Inclusivity

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

The Value of Camp: Affordability and Inclusivity

A trip to YMCA Storer Camps is always fun! There’s no doubt about that.  In fact, throughout the day at camp, the most common question asked  (besides what’s being served at the next meal) is “What was your favorite thing you did today?” 

This question is typically followed by a number of excited responses about riding horses, climbing the rock wall, or paddling around on Stony Lake on a stand-up paddleboard.  Although not explicitly stated, what these responses reveal is the fact that campers tried something new, grew out of their comfort zone, and created relationships with new friends.

When spending time at YMCA Storer Camps, each camper is able to grow in our four core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.  They create a community of campers across county, state, and even national lines.  Campers are challenged to push beyond boundaries they didn’t know existed, all while in a safe, caring environment away from societal pressures.  Upon returning home, campers have a stronger sense of self-worth, accomplishment, and appreciation for the world and others around them.

These experiences are designed for all children to learn, grow, and explore. 

YMCA Storer Camps is committed to ensuring that camp is a home away from home for every single child. Regardless of various walks of life, no barrier should ever prevent a child from attending camp.

In an attempt to further reduce barriers to experiencing camp, 2023 saw the launch of a brand new tiered pricing system for summer camp programs.  Families are now able to choose the program rate that best fits their needs, with no questions asked. All campers still receive the same quality programs regardless of payment level.  

We realize that some families may need additional resources beyond the tiered pricing system. In these cases, the YMCA is happy to offer financial assistance, provided by the generosity of donors who believe in the mission of YMCA Storer Camps.

Additionally, YMCA members receive discounts on all summer camp programs.  This discount is not exclusive to members of the YMCA of Greater Toledo but is extended to members of any YMCA across the globe! 

A trip to YMCA Storer Camps is fun, safe, and full of growth. Above all it is meant for your child this summer! 

 

Register Today!

New Tiered Pricing

1 week of Overnight Camp

Mental Health Awareness & Resources

Posted on Updated on by Rosalyn Whickum

The YMCA is committed to helping building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Our programs and facilities clearly help people exercise their bodies, which also benefits their mental and emotional states. Our programs bring people together to achieve personal goals in group settings. We’re social beings, and this too helps our mental health.

We aim to raise awareness of resources for those dealing with mental health challenges, as well as their loved ones.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)  
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better
lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness

United Way 211 Hotline 
United Way 211 is a free and anonymous information and referral service available to anyone in Lucas, Ottawa or Wood County with a health or human service need. 211 has a database of over thousands of different health and human service resources for residents of Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties in Ohio, and Lenawee and Monroe counties in Michigan.

988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to call any time
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and
crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United
States.

YMCA360  
Free on-demand and livestream video platform (website and app) available to YMCA members;
the “Mind & Body” videos/classes may be of particular interest.

Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio 

The Area Office on Aging promotes the health, well-being and safety of older adults, persons
with disabilities and family caregivers to foster independence.

Lenawee Department on Aging 
Monroe County Commission on Aging 

Ripple Effects of Mental Illness

Having a mental illness can make it challenging to live everyday life and maintain recovery. Let’s look at some of the ways mental illness can impact lives — and how the impact can ripple out.

  • People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population. People with serious mental illness are nearly twice as likely to develop these conditions.
  •  32.1% of U.S. adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in 2020 (17 million individuals)
  • The rate of unemployment is higher among U.S. adults who have a mental illness (6.4%) compared to those who do not (5.1%)
  • High school students with significant symptoms of depression are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers
  • Students aged 6-17 with mental, emotional, or behavioral concerns are 3x more likely to repeat a grade.

Source: NAMI.org


If you’re struggling mentally, or know someone who might be, take the first step by raising your awareness and understanding of mental health and the resources in our community that can help.