Winter Y Spirit 2022

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

Dear Friends, 

When the calendar turns to a new year, I am always excited and optimistic for what might come. Every year I take a little time over the holidays to set goals. I’m sure many of you do the same. These goals are very common from person to person; lose weight, get organized, spend more time with family, save money, etc. In addition to these common goals, I have heard of some newer ones. These include taking control of my social media, get a new job, travel more, be happier, etc. Most of these require a specific plan, commitment, and support for them to be a success.  The last one, “be happier”, is different.

Being happy is not a task you put on your list of things to do. There are literally THOUSANDS of suggestions on how to be happier. When happiness is sought directly it is often self-absorbed and selfish. A person begins to seek instant gratification or avoid difficult situations as a way to “be happier”.   

One quote by psychologist and holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl resonates with me:

“For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one's personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one's surrender to a person other than oneself....”

What is the great cause that you are personally dedicated to? Maybe it is your faith, caring for the elderly, or democracy. Maybe it is child safety, volunteerism, or the environment. Building a goal around this dedication can bring great joy and happiness to you. Meaning and purpose in life is how happiness is achieved.   

As the calendar turns to 2022, I hope and pray for the desire to set challenging goals and the strength to achieve them. Additionally, I pray for the wisdom to seek happiness through meaning and purpose instead of satisfying my own needs.   

With gratitude, 

Chris Angellatta
President & CEO
YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne 

GIVE FOR A BETTER US

Because of our commitment to strengthen the foundation of our community, through December 2021, together we awarded $2.7 million in financial aid to people throughout Allen, Whitley and Wells Counties. With your help we have made great strides, but we believe we can do so much more. We are currently raising money to help offset membership and program fees for people who want to be part of the Y family but cannot afford to do so.
In order to be successful, your branch needs your help. For more information on how you can help our Annual Campaign through volunteering or giving, check with your local branch, visit our Annual Campaign webpage, or email HereForYou@fwymca.org.

FIND YOURSELF IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS

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Service Immersion Trips

Going abroad on a service immersion trip can create more memories than a vacation. This unique opportunity allows you to experience a new country and culture, and work alongside people who live a markedly different life than Americans. You may be motivated to go on a service trip to help others and end up surprised at how it helps you. We are looking for participants who have either proven their commitment to service through past experience or who are able to clearly express their commitment to service. 

Early bird pricing ends on May 28th, 2022.
Regular registration ends on September 30th, 2022. 

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VIRTUAL YMCA

What is Virtual Y?

20+ Virtual Classes Weekly

50+ On-Demand Videos and NEW Classes Added Weekly

Favorites Dashboard: Ability to Favorite Classes, Categories 

Exclusive Catalogue of Fitness, Wellbeing, Enrichment programs and more!

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SPRING PROGRAM REGISTRATION

SPRING SESSION: April 11 - May 29

REGISTRATION OPENS:
Y Members: Monday, March 28          
Program Participants: Monday, April 4

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FIND AND LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Keep up-to-date with the latest Y news, events and programs and connect with other members. Like us on Facebook, ask us a question or share a story!

Find and connect with your branch below:

ENVISION YOUR LEGACY

Throughout our lives, most of us strive to make a difference, providing gifts to people and causes we value. It would be wonderful to know that you can continue to change lives even after you're gone - creating a legacy of support - for future generations. 

For more information about leaving a Legacy gift to the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, contact Nicole Hansen, Director of Mission Advancement at 260.918.2144.
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OUR PARTNERS

YMCA Mission Partners provide financial resources to strengthen our community and move us all forward. The continued support of these companies allows the YMCA to carry out our mission - making a meaningful, enduring impact in our community.

To inquire how your business can become a Mission Partner, contact Nicole Hansen, Director of Mission Advancement, at 260.918.2144. 

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOUNDATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS:

English-Bonter-Mitchell Foundation | St. Joseph Community Health Foundation  | Howard P. Arnold Foundation  | Florence M. and Paul M. Staehle Foundation  | Fifth Third Foundation

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