Support YMCA’s good works in county

The YMCA of Snohomish County has launched its annual community support campaign to ensure that everyone in Snohomish County has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Every day, the YMCA works to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community issues, such as school readiness, chronic diseases, teen leadership and healthy living.

“Throughout Snohomish County, countless people know the YMCA. However, there’s so much more to our Y than one might think,” said Kelly Shepherd, campaign chairwoman. “The Y is more than a gym. It’s a cause. As a charity, we’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving our community’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors.”

While earned revenues from membership and program fees keep the YMCA operating, it is financial contributions to the YMCA Annual Campaign that advance the mission of the Y. YMCA programs and services support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility and have a direct and positive impact on residents right here in Snohomish County.

As a leading nonprofit organization in Snohomish County, the YMCA’s Financial Assistance Program, supported by contributions to the Annual Campaign and United Way, provided $1,492,212 in direct financial assistance to 8,595 individuals during 2014.

In addition, $3,985,232 was provided in youth and family program subsidies, ensuring the presence of caring adults to nurture the potential of 50,765 children and teens across Snohomish County.

We believe the YMCA of Snohomish County is a cause worth investing in. The Y relies on the support of the community, through volunteers and financial contributions to continue its vital work.

Throughout Snohomish County more than 107,000 individuals connect with the YMCA every year. Thousands more know the Y, or know of the Y. Every day, the YMCA of Snohomish County through its five facility branches (Everett, Marysville, Mill Creek, Monroe/Sky Valley, Mukilteo), Stanwood-Camano YMCA initiative, and Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliation support the people and neighborhoods that together comprise this wonderful county in which we live, work, and play.

For some, the Y is a gym where they play basketball with friends. For others it’s a pool to learn to swim. But the Y is so much more — the Y offers programs to address chronic disease issues such as youth obesity and diabetes prevention, cancer survivors have a place to find strength and build community, and thousands of children and teens have a safe place to go with caring adults while their parents are at work or school.

Your financial gift will help close the gaps in our community and strengthen Snohomish County by helping individuals and families through programs and services that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

We hope you will join us and donate online today at ymca-snoco.org/give or contact your local YMCA to learn how you can support the Y’s cause.

Kelly Shepherd is chairwoman of the YMCA Annual Campaign. Scott Forslund is chairman of the YMCA Board of Trustees.

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