Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA Selected as Livestrong Community Impact Project Candidate

The following information was provided by the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA. 

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA located at 1340 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains, NJ  has been selected as a candidate for the LIVESTRONG Foundation Community Impact Project, which offers $1.2 million in funding to bring proven cancer support programs to communities across the U.S. Finalists will be determined through an online voting campaign that begins today atVote.LIVESTRONG.org and runs until 5 p.m. CT on Thursday, March 28^th. Vote for the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA under Creative Center at University Settlement Artist-in-Residence Program. Sites with the top votes per region will receive financial awards of support to replicate and implement programs that have demonstrated success in improving the lives of people affected by cancer.

The programs chosen for replication in 2013 are:

·         The Creative Center at University Settlement Artist-in-Residence Program:  Since its inception in 1994, The Creative Center has been dedicated to bringing the arts to people with cancer and chronic illness through all stages of life as a way to help them discover their own creative resources while meeting the challenges of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. The Artist-in-Residence program helps cancer survivor’s deal with the stresses of treatment through artistic expression.  The program will work bedside and in small group settings with men, women and children – in oncology units, bone marrow transplant units, intensive care/respiratory units, hospice and palliative care programs.

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is among hundreds of organizations still in contention for the award. If selected, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA will use the awarded funds to providephysical activity programs free to members of our community recovering from cancer. This program enables the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA to offer participants educational seminars, childcare assistance and services for financial management. The program focus helps recovering cancer survivors; “get their lives back” physically, mentally and spiritually. We want to give survivors the tools to continue their journey of health and wellness beyond the twelve-week program.   “We are thrilled and honored to be selected as a candidate for the LIVESTRONGFoundation’s Community Impact Project,” said Sheri Cognetti, Senior Program Director of the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA. “We share their passion for inspiring and empowering people affected by cancer and look forward to working together to make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and their families.”

Organizations chosen to implement one of the model programs will receive up to $15,000 to support the implementation.  They will also receive a toolkit consisting of facilitator manuals, participant materials and evaluation forms; training and support from the model program’s staff; access to additional tools and resources; and a full report on the historical replication of this program upon completion.

The financial awards provided by the 2012 LIVESTRONG Community Impact Project are currently being implemented at nearly 100 sites including hospitals, cancer centers, universities, and community-based organizations across the nation and will provide support to thousands of people affected by cancer upon completion.  The LIVESTRONG Foundation is committed to supporting community organizations in their efforts to help cancer survivors face the challenges and changes that come with cancer and has invested more than $80 million in community-centered organizations.

For more information about the LIVESTRONG Foundation’s Community Impact Project, and to vote, visit Vote.LIVESTRONG.org.   The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Visit www.fanwoodscotchplainsymca.org to learn more about Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA programs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

About the LIVESTRONG Foundation

The LIVESTRONG Foundation provides free cancer support services to help people cope with the financial, emotional and practical challenges that accompany the disease. Created in 1997 by cancer survivor and philanthropist Lance Armstrong, the Foundation is known for its powerful brand – LIVESTRONG – and for its advocacy on behalf of survivors and their families. With its iconic yellow LIVESTRONG wristband, the Foundation has become a symbol of hope and inspiration around the world. Since its inception, the Foundation has served 2.5 million people affected by the disease and raised more than $500 million to support cancer survivors. One ofAmerica’s top cancer non-profit organizations, the Foundation enjoys a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and has been recognized by the National Health Council and the Better Business Bureau for its excellent governance, high standards and transparency. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.