Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Dear Members, Participants, Families, Friends and Supporters,
In these challenging times,
it is inspirational to see people finding ways to help e
ach other. Our communities are also showing resiliency, determination and love. Our doors may be closed temporarily, but we are here for our community. The Y is active and operating--we may be operating differently, but we are still connecting with you.
We are excited about what we are able to provide our community, virtually.
Scroll down to check out what we have been up to, the innovative programming for you and your family, and the ways to support our community.
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Right now we are pivoting our services to provide more virtual support and programming for our Family Center and our F.M. Kirby Children's Center families. Last week we launched
livestreaming
Zoom sessions within our School of Performing Arts (SOPA) and have a full schedule with 17 classes for our SOPA students. We kicked off our first virtual "Kickback Friday" session for teens and last week, with our second one this Friday. This week, we have launched Y Ninja Gym and Gymnastics programming with nine sessions for our current participants.
Stay tuned for our open Livestreaming Group Exercise classes coming soon!
Livestreaming allows us to create connections, see familiar faces and build togetherness -- even as we practice the social distancing that is so critical right now.
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Watch one of our SOPA students during her LIVESTREAMING session!
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Regular exercise is one component of a healthy lifestyle that can help reduce stress and prevent illness. It is important to us that our members are able to continue a healthy lifestyle during this time. We have multiple options available to you today and we are working to add additional options in the days to come. These resources are free to our community.
YMCA 360, an on-demand video platform from the national YMCA, features group exercise classes, youth sports classes, well-being classes and more.
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SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM ONE OF OUR YOUNGER MEMBERS
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"Hey Coach Cody! Sup? I made 103 baskets yesterday!.. I really want to get back to the Y, and I love sports! Miss you!"
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Our teachers have been busy getting curriculum ready. We launched livestreaming classroom time with our Kirby families this week! It is great for our infants, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners to connect with teachers and their classmates.
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THE ANNUAL KIRBY ART SHOW GOES VIRTUAL
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Traditionally, in April, our teachers fill the Kirby gym with colorful pieces of artwork and transform the space into a beautiful gallery referred to as Annual Art Show. Art helps improve fine motor skills, self-expression, language, critical thinking and can be a calming activity as well. Check out these creative marvels you posted to our Facebook page.
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Youth & Teen Director Liz Kryznefski has a quick, fun and informative experiment you can do at home. All you'll need is a plate or bowl - anything deep enough that can hold water, some ground pepper and water.
Watch this video and show us how you at home are making sure to stay clean and healthy in the comments! Be safe, stay healthy and wash your hands. We'll see you soon.
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Our School of Performing Arts programs have continued virtually for our students. Check out a warm up with Ms. Courtney.
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TEENS: VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING
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We've been missing our epic Kickback Fridays with our teens. We hosted our first Virtual Kickback Friday on April 10, and are hosting another one this Friday, April 17. To learn more, email Youth & Teen Director Liz Kryznefski.
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Find ways to connect with the Y and our community virtually.
Please visit our Community Connections page for a listing of local community efforts, events, dates, important resources and ways you can get involved.
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Our Y is hosting another Drop-off Food Drive,
Friday, April 17,
from
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
to help support the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morristown. Food banks need our help! This is a great way to help others in need while keeping non essential travel, particularly outside our home communities to a minimum.
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One of our top priorities is to open our doors as soon as it is safe to do so. We are making every effort to support and care for our staff while our facilities remain closed and to bring as many of our staff at the earliest opportunity. We have established a confidential staff hotline in order to respond to emergent staff needs that are arising and looking to provide the necessary personal, emotional, medical or financial support that we can to those who need assistance.
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STAY WITH THE Y: STAFF AND OPERATIONS SUPPORT FUND
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One way you can contribute is to give to the Stay with the Y – Operations Support Fund. A gift to this fund will not only help support our long-term financial health and keep our Kirby Center and Family Center operations viable, it will allow us to support our staff who have emergent needs. If you are in a position to give, you can make a difference
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YOUR YMCA
MEMBERSHIP CHOICES
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We are deeply grateful to those of you who have reached out to support the Y. Like many other businesses and nonprofits in this pandemic, the loss of revenue has the potential to have a significant impact on our F.M. Kirby Children's Center and Family Center operations. There are three options available to you for your membership: maintain, hold, or cancel. For those who are able, keeping your membership active helps us remain viable now and in the future
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Through the Madison Area YMCA's youth and family counseling program Project Community Pride, we are pleased to share we are able to provide many of our clients with virtual counseling and weekly sessions. We have even completely accommodated our wait list, providing additional services during this time when there is a rising need for the important services our licensed clinical professionals provide.
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MADISON CHATHAM COALITION
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Madison Chatham Coalition is working together with Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA on a new podcast about how to talk to your kids about COVID-19 and ways to support parents during this time. It will also include information about recovery support services for those dealing with substance use disorder.
Stay tuned for more information found on the Y's website and Facebook page.
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Ask your Rep to sign a bipartisan letter to support nonprofits like the Y! Help ensure nonprofits like the Y can continue to serve their communities.
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Have you seen our staff video? Get ready to dance and check it out below.
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Madison Area YMCA | 111 Kings Road, Madison
| 973-822-9622 |
Website
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As a mission-driven nonprofit charitable organization, the Madison Area YMCA believes everyone, regardless of age, income or background, should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For more information about
financial assistance
or to make a
tax-deductible donation
, please call 973-822-YMCA (9622) or
click here
to make a secure online donation today.
MADISON AREA YMCA
FAMILY CENTER: 111 Kings Road, Madison - 973-822-9622
F.M. KIRBY CHILDREN'S CENTER: 54 East Street, Madison - 973-377-4945
PROJECT COMMUNITY PRIDE: 973-845-6480
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