Y IMPACT Newsletter - October 2023
Y STORY
Everyday at the Lake County YMCA we see little miracles that reinforce why we do what we do. The East End Membership Director shares a story from their branch.
Back in January one of the first Financial Assistance memberships that I set up was for Becky and her family. Living off of one income, she said she was primarily getting the membership so they can afford programs for their 11-year-old daughter, Abby.
Becky shared that Abby was dealing with severe bullying at school and the mental health effects that it has caused. She was seeking some place where Abby could fit in and make some friends. We registered her for Youth Basketball so she could be a part of a team.
Now she comes in for practice each day with a smile on her face, excited to be a part of a positive group. She is excited to try other programs at the Y, like softball, dance and Girls on the Run.
Becky said that Abby is now homeschooled and the Y has become an even more important part of their routine. The Y has now become her main source of socialization by introducing her to new people in a safe space.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the family.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: Summer Learning Loss Prevention SLLP
Did you know that third grade reading proficiency is the leading and most accurate predictor of high school graduation among students? One in six students who are not proficient readers by third grade dropout of high school in the coming years. The YMCA of Lake County addresses that need with our Summer Learning Loss Prevention program.
This past summer we had 30 kids who entered the program, 100% of whom qualify for the National School Lunch Program and who were identified as struggling readers. Statistics show that children who come from underserved neighborhoods and low-income families are often starting school unprepared. These children often fall behind their peers which causes a large achievement gap for those students. Not only do our students learn through reading, writing and working with words and vocabulary, they also continue their day with science, nutrition, music, physical education, art, character education and weekly special guests.
Our program's goal is to help students maintain reading levels from the end of their previous school year. We also challenge our students to grow during the summer so that they will start the new school year at the same level as their classmates. This year 93% of students were able to increase their reading levels. We are proud to report that 75% of students increased by 3 reading levels. The cost of this program is $1,300 per student, per year.
The Y could not offer this program, or others like it, without the dedicated support of our loyal donors. With a gift of only a $100 donation per month, we are able to continue to help children reach their full potential regardless of their financial circumstances. We want to continue to help our community grow and with your help, that dream is attainable!
Consider a gift to our annual campaign to help ensure this program continues!
THE 12TH ANNUAL GALA OF CHAMPIONS
The Annual Gala of Y Champions is always one of the Lake County YMCA’s favorite events! Our big winners of the 12th Annual Gala of Y Champions on September 9th were Jeff and Laura Malish with the Nashville Experience raffle, Jim and Sherry Barbiere won 100 tickets for the Dream House raffle and Dale and Kathy Hollingsworth won the handcrafted, diamond starburst pendant and earrings set.Our community gathered together for the Annual Good Friday Breakfast at the Central Y in Painesville.
The generosity of our donors, sponsors and guests was so great this year that we raised $67,000! This ensures our ability to continue to help fund our youth development, healthy living and our social responsibility programs. The Lake County Y wants to thank each and every one of you for your dedication to our cause and your generous philanthropic spirit. Without you, none of this could be possible.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CHAIRMAN'S ROUND TABLE
Through the Chairman’s Round Table, the Lake County YMCA recognizes donors who have gone above and beyond to advance the Y’s cause by contributing to the Lake County YMCA in the amount of $1,000 and higher for the Annual Campaign.
These individuals, businesses, and community organizations enable us to enrich and expand our mission of working with children, families, and adults to respond to the needs of our community. The support of these donors makes it possible for families and individuals, regardless of their financial situation, to participate in Y programs that instill the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and help guide children to a lifetime of success and service.
Benefits of Becoming a Chairman’s Round Table Donor
- Donor’s name displayed in a prominent place at the Lake County YMCA location of their choice.
- An invitation to a special luncheon for CRT donors to thank them for their generous support and to learn about the impact their gifts have made from our CEO. This year’s luncheon is on Dec 7, 2023 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at Red, Wine and Brew in Mentor.
- Quarterly newsletter updates.
NEW ANNUAL FUND & EVENTS SPECIALIST
Kim Fetty joined our team in August with a vast non-profit career. She has managed everything from programming to special events to fundraising. “When I saw this position, I just knew that this was the place for me. The Y is unlike any other non-profit I have had the privilege to serve and I am thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful organization.” says Fetty. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business and Organizational Communications from the University of Akron and has 12 plus years in the nonprofit arena. Her focus will be to help raise funds for the Annual Campaign and to plan all of your favorite Y events. She notes that “I am so excited to do special events again, I have been freelancing for the past few years and miss the planning, the people and just the overall energy that special events have.” Welcome aboard Kim, we are excited to have you and are looking forward to our future together.