West Suburban YMCA Strengthens Foundations of Newton Community

The West Suburban YMCA is, in short, a place to belong, where the highest priorities are placed on developing character and values within an environment that encourages healthy living and social responsibility. The Newton-based Y is a community staple with wide-ranging programs, from the creative arts to group exercise for adults and children.

Patch: Tell us about some of the West Suburban YMCA highlights.

West Suburban YMCA: First and foremost, we are a cause-driven, charitable, non-profit organization that is open and accessible to all. Our donors and members help us provide affordable programs and additional financial assistance to those in need. More than 600 families received financial aid in 2016. We most recently renovated and expanded our facility and lowered rates in membership and programs. We’ve formed a welcoming community, where high quality services are available for all ages.

Patch: What are the more popular children’s programs?

West Suburban YMCA: We have many programs available for children of all ages and skill levels. Some of the more popular classes are our Youth Basketball Association (YBA) League, swimming lessons, music lessons, swim team, soccer and flag football leagues. Birthday parties that include swimming or sports activities are also a great way for kids to experience the Y.

Patch: What out-of-school options are available for parents and children?

West Suburban YMCA: The WSYMCA has affordable, daily, supervised programs available for children ranging from pre-school to seniors in high school. Our year-round, licensed, half-day and full-day preschool is available for kids from 2 years and 9 months to age 6. The Kids’ Corner, our drop-off childcare program, is available for children from ages 3 months to 11-years-old. Kids’ Corner is free with membership and is in place so you can drop your kids off while you enjoy our facility. We also offer licensed Out-of-School Time programs for grades K-8 and pick up at many of Newton’s schools. In addition to daily care programs, we provide supervised programs during school vacation weeks as well as day camps and an overnight camp during the summer break.

Patch: Tell us about the Camp Frank A. Day overnight camp.

West Suburban YMCA: Camp Frank A. Day is our gorgeous, 52-acre overnight camp, located in East Brookfield, Mass. — just one hour west of Boston and easily accessible from the Mass Pike. Our Y camp staff, who are trained in CPR and first aid, welcome kids from ages 7-15 to make the most of their summer amidst bugle calls, camp fires, archery, swimming, sports matches and talent shows. Three-day and two-week programs are available depending on the comfort level of the parents/children.

Adventure Camp and a Leader-In-Training (LIT) program are also available. Adventure Camp is an action-packed week that combines the best of on and off-site activities. The LIT program provides our oldest campers (age 16) with a way to transition from camper to counselor over the course of four, six or seven week sessions.

Patch: What music and creative arts opportunities are available at the Y?

West Suburban YMCA: We embrace all forms of youth development, whether it is through athletics or arts. Private music lessons for anyone over the age of five are available in addition to Music Production and Rock Band programs for anyone over nine years old. We also offer Summer Sessions, two-week summer programs that help mold young musicians into experienced and successful artists. Photography and movie making classes are also available.

Patch: What volunteer opportunities does the Y offer?

West Suburban YMCA: The WSY is a volunteer-led organization guided by a committed volunteer board of directors. Along with serving in a leadership role on the board or committees, we welcome program volunteers. For example, we have dozens of participants who coach our sports programs, share their talents in our child care programs and provide event staff support. Volunteers are essential to our mission.

Patch: What are your signature fundraising events?

West Suburban YMCA: The WSYMCA’s annual golf tournament is on Monday, June 19 from 1-8 p.m. This year’s event will take place at the beautiful Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord. Registration includes lunch, a dinner reception, player gifts and an 18-hole round of golf with carts.

We also host an annual gala at the Y in early November. These are our two largest fundraising events. This year, all of the money raised from these events will go to support financial assistance to local families for a wide variety of Y programs and services.

Patch: What is LIVESTRONG at the YMCA?

West Suburban YMCA: The Y and the LIVESTRONG Foundation have joined together to provide a physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. The program is free for survivors and their family members, made possible by generous donations from members of our community. Participants work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to achieve their goals, such as building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance and improving confidence and self-esteem. Last year, we highlighted our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program at our gala and raised the funds needed to continue to offer the program.

Patch: How does the Y measure success?

West Suburban YMCA: At the Y, we measure success of our cause by how well we engage communities in our three areas of focus: youth development, nurturing the potential of every child and teen; healthy living through improving the nation's and our neighborhood’s health and well-being; and social responsibility, giving back and providing support to our neighbors.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about the West Suburban YMCA and its programs?

West Suburban YMCA: Readers can learn more about the WSYMCA and our programs by visiting our website, giving us a call at (617) 244-6050 or by coming to our 276 Church St. facility to take a tour. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you may have.

Photo credit: West Suburban YMCA