YMCA scholarships help out in a down economy
NORWICH – The Norwich Family YMCA still offers many of its scholarships and assistance programs even as it prepares for its upcoming annual support campaign.
The Unemployment Membership Program took effect three years ago and was established to provide a short-term membership to anyone who lost their job within the last 12 months. The program offers a three month, no cost membership for qualified candidates to use the facility and take advantage of the fitness classes offered by the YMCA.
“The Y provides an outlet for stress,” said YMCA Executive Director Jamey Mullen. “This program helps those dealing with financial trouble to deal with some of the stress by taking advantage our facility.”
The timing to remind people of this program is perfect, according to Mullen. He said that the Unemployment Membership Program is dependent on the funds raised by the United Way, which kicked off its fall fund raising campaign in September. In 2010, $12,000 was given by the United Way to support the YMCA’s Unemployment Membership Program. Without their contribution, Mullen added, the Unemployment Membership Program would not be possible.
“To date, the program has benefited a total of 101 applicants in 2011,” Mullen said.
In addition to the Unemployment Membership Program, Mullen also advocates the Open Door Scholarship Program, available to anyone who has trouble paying for a membership regardless of current employment status.
“We want to let people know there are ways to take advantage of this facility,” Mullen said. “This program is one of the best programs at the Y ... The program helps to reduce costs and assists with payment of membership.”
With so many scholarships and financial assistance offered by the YMCA, the restraints of the organization are growing tighter, said Mullen.
“In 2010, we exceeded $110,000 in scholarships but only raised $68,000,” said Mullen. He said that 861 scholarships were given in 2010 and many of those were given to families with multiple members. That number may increase this year, he added. To compensate, cutbacks were needed to assist with membership fees.
“At some point we might have to raise the white flag,” said Mullen, explaining that there is now more money than ever going toward scholarships.
The YMCA is preparing to address some of its financial concerns as it begins its annual community support campaign in November.
“More than ever, kids today need a place like the Y to learn the life skills and lessons that will shape their future,” said 2010 Honorary YMCA Chairperson Clarence Rappleyea in a letter of outreach to the community.
“Organizations like the YMCA have long been at the heart of our community,” Rappleyea said.
The YMCA actively seeks new members and contributions. Applications for the YMCA Unemployment Membership Program and the Open Doors Scholarship Program can be found on the YMCA website, norwichymca.com or by calling 336-YMCA.
The Unemployment Membership Program took effect three years ago and was established to provide a short-term membership to anyone who lost their job within the last 12 months. The program offers a three month, no cost membership for qualified candidates to use the facility and take advantage of the fitness classes offered by the YMCA.
“The Y provides an outlet for stress,” said YMCA Executive Director Jamey Mullen. “This program helps those dealing with financial trouble to deal with some of the stress by taking advantage our facility.”
The timing to remind people of this program is perfect, according to Mullen. He said that the Unemployment Membership Program is dependent on the funds raised by the United Way, which kicked off its fall fund raising campaign in September. In 2010, $12,000 was given by the United Way to support the YMCA’s Unemployment Membership Program. Without their contribution, Mullen added, the Unemployment Membership Program would not be possible.
“To date, the program has benefited a total of 101 applicants in 2011,” Mullen said.
In addition to the Unemployment Membership Program, Mullen also advocates the Open Door Scholarship Program, available to anyone who has trouble paying for a membership regardless of current employment status.
“We want to let people know there are ways to take advantage of this facility,” Mullen said. “This program is one of the best programs at the Y ... The program helps to reduce costs and assists with payment of membership.”
With so many scholarships and financial assistance offered by the YMCA, the restraints of the organization are growing tighter, said Mullen.
“In 2010, we exceeded $110,000 in scholarships but only raised $68,000,” said Mullen. He said that 861 scholarships were given in 2010 and many of those were given to families with multiple members. That number may increase this year, he added. To compensate, cutbacks were needed to assist with membership fees.
“At some point we might have to raise the white flag,” said Mullen, explaining that there is now more money than ever going toward scholarships.
The YMCA is preparing to address some of its financial concerns as it begins its annual community support campaign in November.
“More than ever, kids today need a place like the Y to learn the life skills and lessons that will shape their future,” said 2010 Honorary YMCA Chairperson Clarence Rappleyea in a letter of outreach to the community.
“Organizations like the YMCA have long been at the heart of our community,” Rappleyea said.
The YMCA actively seeks new members and contributions. Applications for the YMCA Unemployment Membership Program and the Open Doors Scholarship Program can be found on the YMCA website, norwichymca.com or by calling 336-YMCA.
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