Fall Y Spirit 2021

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

Dear Friends,

A new season is upon us and the Y is here to help the community grow stronger. One of the ways we grow stronger is through social connections. Meaningful social connections are valuable experiences that deepen our sense of community and support our mental health. The popular book, The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Longer Living (Dan Buettner, 2008) describes a common thread of spiritual, family, and social networks as important to living a long healthy life. These networks are not superficial relationships. They are deep connections that provide purpose and support in our everyday lives. One of the Blue Zones is the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Here people routinely live to be over 100 years old and have astonishingly active physical and social lives. One tool they use to live longer is the “plan de vida”, the “life plan." Each older adult has a life plan full of purposeful activities, positive messaging, and supportive people.

The YMCA is here to help you live a long and healthy life full of purpose and positivity. After the past year, we can all use more positivity. The Y can help connect you and your loved ones to friends, supporters, role models, and a positive outlook. Maybe your life plan includes a volunteer opportunity, a part time job, or building a routine to grow your spiritual strength in addition to your mental and physical strength. All this and more can be found at the Y.

When we are bombarded by negativity, mistrust, and misinformation we are taking years off our lives. I hope and pray that all of you find peace and positivity as you head into the new year. Whether you are 6, 16, or 60; the YMCA has opportunities for you to be your best. Not in superficial, shallow ways, but in meaningful, deep ways to help you grow in spirit, mind, and body.

Thank you for your participation and support!

With gratitude,

Chris Angellatta
President & CEO
YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

We are grateful to Mike’s Carwash, A YMCA Mission Partner, who recently raised over $22,983 for the YMCA’s Youth Service Bureau (YSB) through Wash For A Cause on July 16, 17 & 18.

Additionally, over $55,324 was raised at the 8th Annual Sip and Support event on September 23. This event was made possible by many donors including Mike’s Carwash, the Premiere Event Sponsor.

The Youth Service Bureau serves as an advocate for vulnerable youth by providing a variety of services and programs at no charge. Through advocacy, the YSB gives at-risk adolescents the tools, skills and support they need to succeed and grow into thriving adults and community members. We appreciate this support from Mike’s Carwash and the opportunity to work with local organizations to make our community stronger!

UPCOMING HOLIDAY HOURS

See Upcoming Holiday Hours

CHECK OUT THESE VOLUNTEER EVENTS

Click the flyer below to find out more.

INDIANA YOUTH & GOVERNMENT

The Indiana YMCA Youth and Government program had a great start this Fall. Five of our seven family branches in Allen and Whitley counties are hosting this eye-opening program that teaches youth the value of democracy. INYaG provides Hoosier 7th through 12th graders an opportunity to experience the processes of Indiana Government first-hand, develop important leadership and social skills, and foster confidence in themselves. The highlight of the program is the annual Model Government Conference (MGC), during which youth delegates take over the Indiana Statehouse while participating in a model legislature, judiciary, executive, media, and page programs. Delegates put into practice skills learned through the program and are privileged to do so using all relevant government chambers in the Indiana Statehouse. Students meet on a weekly or biweekly basis for an hour or hour and half depending on each delegation's curriculum. Thank you to our generous sponsor Allen County Bar Foundation and our volunteers, Judge Jennifer DeGroote and former Judge Thomas Felt. To learn more please visit our website HERE.

WELCOMING WEEK

During this year’s Welcoming Week that took place September 10-19, the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne joined Welcoming America and hundreds of YMCAs and other organizations nationwide hosting events to celebrate immigrant contributions to communities. These events were intended to bring together all residents in a spirit of unity. Welcoming Week activities were FREE and open to the public.

“At the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, we believe that our community is stronger when everyone feels welcome and we all work together for the common good,” said Francisco Townsend Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Global Engagement. “We are proud to be a part of Welcoming Week, which demonstrates that in places large and small, rural and urban, people of all backgrounds are coming together to create stronger communities. It is a time to celebrate the shared values that unite us as neighbors, parents and colleagues, and to make our towns more welcoming to newcomers and to everyone who calls our community home.”

During Welcoming Week, the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne and its partner organizations hosted activities for more than 300 participants including Welcome Resources Fair for newcomers and immigrants/refugees, First-time Home Buyer Fair, Cultural Awareness Training & Ethnic Bridge Building Discussion.

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PAYS OFF

With the change in our health care landscape and the emphasis on employee wellness, businesses are seeking optimum ways to promote a healthy workplace. Partnering with the Y is a great way to improve employee wellness. Contact us for a FREE workplace wellness assessment.

To get started or for more information contact our Corporate Wellness Team at 260.422.6488 or HereForYou@fwymca.org.

WINTER I & II PROGRAM REGISTRATION

WINTER I SESSION: January 3 - February 20

REGISTRATION OPENS:
Y Members: Monday, December 6
Program Participants: Monday, December 13

WINTER II SESSION: February 21 - April 10

REGISTRATION OPENS:
Y Members: Monday, February 7
Program Participants: Monday, February 14

View Programs

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:

YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne

Caylor-Nickel Fdn. Family YMCA

Central Branch YMCA

Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA

Jorgensen Family YMCA

Parkview Family YMCA

Renaissance Pointe YMCA

Skyline YMCA

Whitley County Family YMCA

YMCA Camp Potawotami

YMCA Child Care Services

YMCA Youth Service Bureau

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.