Community Development YMCA

Congratulations to Cara Rose Thomas and Maxwell Anderson, Gateway Region YMCA's recipients of the Sonnenberg and Sunnen Youth of the Year Scholarships! 🎉

These scholarships honor the outstanding leadership, service, and commitment of exceptional high school students employed by the Y. Cara and Maxwell shared their inspiring Y journeys with the Y Metro Board this morning, and each was presented with a $5,000 check in support of their higher education, presented by Tim Helm, Gateway Region YMCA President & CEO, and Greg Dart, YMCA Metro Board Vice-Chair.

At the Y, we know all youth have incredible potential, and we can't wait to see the great things these young leaders accomplish in the future!

Read more here (https://hubs.li/Q04qFt5X0)

So excited to have Bamboo Equity Partners support education programs for youth and adults. Thank you for helping ensure everyone graduates high school ready for the next step in their lives!

Who's ready for some "Our Y" stories! Every year we ask our donors "Y" they give to our Cause. One of the most rewarding parts of our mission is to share those stories. Here's what Bamboo Equity Partners had to say,

"We believe true growth goes beyond development - It’s about strengthening the communities that surround and sustain us. The YMCA has long been a place where individuals and families come to grow, and we're proud to support their mission of fostering wellness, vitality and meaningful connections across generations. We're grateful for the opportunity to amplify their vision and passion for our shared community. Thank you, YMCA Chesterfield Branch!"

Thank you to all the Community Development Y Board members and Leadership Council members that attended our joint meeting last week!

It was great to plan and learn together as we work toward achieving the vision of everyone graduating high school ready for the next step in their lives. 📚💛

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990. This global celebration aims to change the way people think about and define disability, and promotes the belief that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which all people living with a disability can take pride.

Being an ALLY means we:
💜 Advocate and amplify
👂 Listen and learn
🤝 Leverage our influence to promote accessibility and inclusion
✨ Yield the floor so people with disabilities can help identify and eliminate barriers

Whether it's through accessibility features like automatic doors, curb cuts, or closed captioning, creating more accessible communities benefits us all.

At the YMCA, we're committed to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more about the Y's inclusion services: https://hubs.li/Q04nZ3_C0

Red, white, and blue (and fireworks, too!) Happy 4th of July, from all of us at the Y! 🇺🇸

Ever heard of a soccer video game that teaches financial literacy? ⚽💰 This morning, summer camp Counselors in Training from 6 Ys had the opportunity to do just that at Energizer Park, thanks to our partners from Together Credit Union. The GOAL of this special event was to get students excited about saving money for their future by providing financial education through inclusive and fun programming. Our thanks to TCU and our guest "coaches" - CITY2 Head Coach David Critchley and former USMNT midfielder Brad Davis - for playing a leading role in our community by helping provide opportunities for youth to learn, grow and thrive!

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans and honoring the day they finally learned of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

At the Y, we believe strong communities are built when everyone has the opportunity to thrive. As we reflect on the significance of this day, we encourage everyone to learn and share the history of Juneteenth, support local Black-owned businesses, attend community celebrations, and build meaningful connections with those around them.

Check out this great video from our friends at YMCA of Western North Carolina to learn more: https://hubs.li/Q04lSlr_0

Together, we can create a stronger community for all. ❤️🖤💚

How to celebrate Juneteenth - YMCA of Western North Carolina Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

🎉 Happy YMCA Founder’s Day! 🎉
182 years ago, a small group of young people in London sparked an idea that would grow into a global movement - a place for belonging, wellness, and community for all. Today, the Y is still where people find connection, purpose, and the chance to become their best selves.

From 1844 to 2026 (and beyond) there’s no place like this place! 🫶