It is an exciting time at the YWCA of Gettysburg and Adams County! Membership has returned to pre-Covid levels, the childcare program has nearly all the rooms filled, and the Board of Directors has launched the annual sponsorship campaign.

Board President Lyne Aurand will oversee Programs at the YW, while Board Member Carrie Soliday will oversee Administrative functions during the leadership transition. Additional board of directors and community members have stepped up to add this team approach. YWCA members have been sharing "why they love the Y" on paper hearts on the bulletin board and in their daily interactions at the YW. This 95-year-old institution and community hub is a place to belong, to connect with others, and to pursue wellness. 

As promised, the Leadership wants to update you on what is happening at the YW. Here are a few updates not covered elsewhere in the newsletter:

● The YWCA will utilize a Wellspan Health Inspire grant to purchase equipment for youth programs and host summer clinics/camps. 

● Another Wellspan Grant is in the application process to fund a Senior Center. The goal is to add monthly art classes, lunches provided in partnership with the Office of Aging, and more to the morning schedule of classes already available for the 55+ group who love the Y. 

● The gym is used daily with groups who have self-organized Pickleball Play, Middle School Basketball practice, and high school indoor soccer.

● The racquetball courts have seen action by traditional racquetball matches as well as wallyball and handball. 

● The Annual Sponsorship Campaign was launched by the Board of Directors. Opportunities are available for individual donations, event sponsorship, and organization sustainability sponsorships.

Why is the sponsorship campaign important when the YW charges membership and program fees? The YWCA of Gettysburg and Adams is celebrating 95 years as a community institution. The only reason the facility and programs at 909 Fairfield Road and the Adams Commerce Center exist is through the Leadership and contributions of generous members of the community. 

Membership fees, program fees, and grants cover the bulk of the YW's $4.1M budget. The YWCA needs to raise about 15% of its operating budget through sponsorships and donations. Facilities that are large enough to house a pool, fitness center, and childcare classrooms are expensive to operate and maintain. Utilities and the cost of insurance to cover the buildings and health benefits of full-time staff have increased considerably for the YW, just as they have likely increased for your business and personal budgets. For example, the YW's electric bill is $10,000 a month. 

We know that the community values the institution. Not just for the physical plant: the pool, the gym, the childcare center, and classrooms. But for the social interactions and the mission-driven programs. Please join the Board of Directors, Lyne, and Carrie, by also supporting the YW financially in a way that makes sense with your budget, time, talents, and in-kind donations.

In the pool area, nearly all of the overhead bulbs will soon need to be replaced using either a rented lift or a contractor to change out the lights.  As the old fluorescent tubes burn out, changing over to LED tubes leads to cost savings. The LED tubes have a longer life expectancy and use less wattage.  The estimated cost for bulbs and lift rental is $2128.00. To offset the cost of replacing burnt-out bulbs across the facility, financial donations or in-kind donations of the exact bulbs needed are welcomed.

Doug Kubeck and Lydia Van Evera are taking on the leadership role at the Adams Commerce Center Childcare. They will serve as co-directors, with Doug overseeing Educational Operations and Lydia overseeing Administrative Coordination.  This dynamic duo is well known for creating a welcoming atmosphere, communicating with families, checking in with the staff, and ensuring all licensing requirements are met. 

Congratulations to Doug and Lydia for taking on new roles in the YWCA's award-winning childcare program. 

Also...We are in the process of cleaning out the rooms at 909 Fairfield Road, previously used by the childcare program. must be cleaned out by March 29. Other local childcare services, nonprofits, schools, youth groups, etc are invited to come to visit and select items they can use. Goodwill offerings will be accepted. Organizations should send us an email or contact Lyne Aurand (717-495-1103) or Julie Haller (717- 515-7416) to arrange an appointed time.

Please note: Members will need to update their locker rentals at the Front Desk by March 29. Locks will be removed from expired locker rentals or from lockers with no record of rentals. Any lock remaining on lockers at the end of the day that were used just for the day and not rented, will be checked randomly and removed.