“Y” … I Didn’t Know That!

Before we begin, we need to set the record straight. The YMCA of Long Island, Inc. was here long before THAT song (1916 to be exact) in a small Mineola store front. What a ride it has been, and what a future we have in store for Long Island. But first, let’s introduce you to some of the wonderful things we are.

When people learn the YMCA of Long Island is a Charity and one of the largest YMCA’s in the country (there are 2,594) many say “ WOW” …I didn’t know that….and that we are a $29 million operation with ten pools (8 indoor-2 outdoor) , six full facilities, 24 offsite childcare locations, four family counseling sites, and one performing art center, PLUS, we run one of the most affordable and largest YMCA Day Camp Programs in the country averaging better than 3,300 kids each day….most say, “WOW”, I didn’t know that either!”

Today’s YMCA is a unique blend of children and adults of all ages, races, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. No one is ever denied YMCA services because of their inability to pay. As an example, Last year, The YMCA of Long Island awarded $2.1 million in Scholarship Assistance to 34,175 Long Island children and adults; we are on track to do the same this year! This is one of our most proud and recognized achievements.

We also pride ourselves on our long standing promise to ourselves and most especially to our supporters that no contributed dollars is ever used to help offset operational costs. That’s right…. One-hundred percent of every contributed dollar to the YMCA of Long Island goes to support the Scholarship Assistance Program. Our supporters applaud that, plus they like the fact we do what we say we are going to do with their support dollars. Some of the programs are the FREE Island Wide Saturday evening Teen Center Program, two weeks’ summer camp for disadvantaged children, childcare for working parents, counseling, cultural and arts programs, activities and programs for seniors to name a few. Bet you didn’t know that!

We also do it by listening to what our constituents tell us and by observing the needs around us. This practice has lead to exciting times. September, 2009 witnessed the opening of the state of the art 6,000sq.ft. Martone Children’s Center at the YMCA at Glen Cove. In September, 2010, we opened the brand new, state of art, 54,000sq.ft- three story Patchogue YMCA. It has everything: pool #10, a double gymnasium, childcare rooms, health enhancement center, indoor running track, rock climbing wall, teen meeting room, family changing room plus more. Also, In September, 2010, The Huntington YMCA celebrated their grand re-opening proudly showing the end results of the $6.5 million 14,000 sq.ft Youth and Family Capital Campaign which included the Sammis Childcare Wing, a new 7,500 sq.ft health enhancement area, offices in addition to improving parking and traffic flow. Altogether, these Capital improvements represent 70,000 sq.ft of new and needed space with a combined cost of $28.5 million. Further, the YMCA of Long Island is currently involved in ongoing discussions with other Long Island communities to bring a YMCA facility into their communities. Exciting times!

Above is just a short overview of who we are and an important opportunity to introduce you to the wonderful programs and services the YMCA of Long Island has to offer. For more information, Please visit us on the web at www.ymcali.org for a complete listing of our sites and to introduce you to the great array of programs and services we have to offer; to register for a class, sign your children up for summer camp, to learn how you can support our mission to help those less fortunate, for in these uncertain times, YMCA services are needed more than ever. Also, please feel free to stop into anyone of our facilities for a personal tour; we would love to show you around! Should you wish to speak with someone, please call Tom Young at 516-674-8091, ext. 18.