Great Miami Valley YMCA to Provide Community Support During Shutdown
March 19, 2020, Hamilton, Ohio– Throughout the Y’s history, we have been called upon in times of crisis, conflict and strife to provide critical services.
Through these trying times, the YMCA is in the position to make a difference where it matters most. Because of this we have made the decision to transition some of our YMCA branches to support first responders and other families in need with caring for their children during this crisis. They will not have to worry that their child is in a safe place, as they care for a growing number of our loved ones during this difficult time.
With the support and assistance of the State of Ohio, local public health officials and area hospitals, the Y is offering full-day childcare for EMS, law enforcement, fire and hospital staff as well as current YMCA Child Care families. Initially, our Critical Care Camp will be offered at Atrium Family YMCA (6 weeks – 12 years old) and Fitton Family YMCA (3 years – 12 years old), with the capability to expand to other locations depending on need. During this program, which will be open from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, kids will enjoy arts, crafts, fun and games all supervised by experienced, expert Y staff. Breakfast, lunch and a snack will be provided thanks to a partnership with Hamilton & Middletown Schools as well as UMC Food Ministry.
This program is for critical use — parents who are first responders, medical personnel, employees with critical infrastructure responsibilities or current Y families who need childcare to be able to work and support their families. We will take extraordinary precautions: kids will sanitize hands upon arrival and throughout the day, our staff will monitor children and look for symptoms of COVID-19 and take temperatures of all staff and children upon their arrival.
“The YMCA also seeks to fulfill other community needs during this challenging time, explains Woody Fitton, President & CEO. “We are excited to be launching a digital fitness platform available at www.gmvymca.org/digital-fitness and to do our part in serving the YMCA’s senior population. Knowing that more than 25% of our Y family are over the age of 65 years, we want to assure those in an at-risk population, that should they run out of food or medicine, to reach out to their Y family either by email at gmvymcahelp@gmvymca.org or by phone at 1-513-217-5501.”
As a 130 year old community anchor institution, the Great Miami Valley YMCA has weathered many adversities, from the Flood of 1913 to world wars. In times such as these, the Y’s inherent flexibility enables innovative strategies to serve those most in need. We request our members join with us in supporting our response to this crisis in two ways. First, membership fees are the foundation of the YMCA’s work and allow us to provide services to those that need us the most. While our facilities are closed, we would like you to consider continuing with your membership payments, as it will be used to
continue to support our community. Any membership fees drafted during this closure will be
recognized as tax deductible gifts to the YMCA. If you are unable to do so, we will place your
membership on hold. Please contact gmvymcahelp@gmvymca.org to place your membership on
hold. Second, if you are not a member and would like to support our cause, please consider making a
donation to the Y, so we may move forward with confidence as we continue to serve our first
responders with childcare, and other critical needs as we are called upon to meet them.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening the foundations of communities through cause driven programs in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Great Miami Valley YMCA is a 126 year old association serving nearly 50,000 people through eight locations located in and around Hamilton, Fairfield and Middletown, including YMCA Camp Campbell Gard, the Booker T. Washington Community Center, four full-day Early learning Centers (childcare) and 18 before & after school program sites serving 28 schools in eight different school districts.