Tuesday, April 8, 2020
  
 
Dear Members, Participants, Families, Friends and Supporters,

In these challenging times, it is inspirational to see people finding ways to help each other. Our communities are also showing resiliency, determination and love. 

A small core team of staff is working very hard to keep our operations viable. 
Currently, we are actively supporting community efforts and building ways to stay connected to you virtually. Together, we will come out of this stronger. And when we emerge from this challenging time, we look forward to welcoming you and your families back through our doors.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
While our doors may be closed, you should know the Y is continuing to serve the community. Our youth and family counseling program, Project Community Pride is responding to a rising need for family and individual counseling. In order to respond to the critical blood shortage in New Jersey, we will host  blood drives  at the Family Center (111 Kings Road). Our next blood drive date is scheduled for early May. The date will be confirmed and announced shor tly. The Y is hosting a Drop-off Food Drive this Friday, April 10 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Family Center. Our Board of Directors are focusing on staff and member support and critical advocacy that is needed at this time. We are also partnering with our schools, businesses, municipal leadership and faith communities to address other immediate needs identified in the community. Please visit our Community Connections page  HERE for a listing of local community efforts, events, dates, important resources and ways you can get involved.  


VIRTUAL YMCA
Right now we are working to pivot our services to provide more virtual support and programming for our Family Center and our F.M. Kirby Children's Center families. Please visit our Virtual YMCA page for recommended online resources HERE . This week we launched livestreaming Zoom sessions within our School of Performing Arts, and we are hosting our first virtual "Kickback Friday" session for teens in the community, with more virtual programming for teens to come. We are also building additional capacity for Y Ninja Gym, Gymnastics, and our competitive teams in the coming weeks. 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.



CARING FOR OUR STAFF
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. 

STAY WITH THE Y: OPERATIONS SUPPORT FUND
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 . 



MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
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.   


PROJECT COMMUNITY PRIDE ON SELF CARE
The news and uncertainty is likely provoking some level of stress and anxiety in all of us. During this challenging time it is important to remember to practice self-care. Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA counselors have some tips from the CDC on how to support yourself:

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling and build positive support networks.

Call your healthcare provider if you feel your stress is interfering with your daily activity and stay connected for more tips from Project Community Pride.


FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI has over 600 state organizations and affiliates across the nation. Need to talk about an issue or problem? If you need to talk about an issue or problem that you are facing call 800-950-NAMI or email [email protected] M-F, 10AM-6PM ET. Find help in a crisis or text "NAMI" TO 741741.  


TAKE ACTION
Help ensure nonprofits like the Y can continue to serve their communities. Ask Congress to support nonprofits in the next phase of the COVID-19 relief!  

STAY SAFE AND BE WELL
We hope you and your family stay safe and well. Please remember to call to check in on your family and friends. " Sometimes carrying on, just carrying on, is the superhuman achievement ." -Albert Camus
Madison Area YMCA | 111 Kings Road, Madison  | 973-822-9622 | Website

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