A new Coronavirus Response Web page has been created to keep our community up to date.
FACILITY UPDATE FOR MARCH 16-2020
March 15, 2020
TO: The YMCA of Central Massachusetts Community
FR: David Connell, President and CEO
RE: IMPORTANT FACILITY UPDATE – Effective March 16, 2020
As we navigate the community health crisis brought on by COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, I wanted to keep you informed about the response and actions of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. Our primary goal is to protect the health and well-being of staff, members and program participants to the greatest extent possible, while maintaining a supportive community presence.
The YMCA’s strength as a relationship organization positions us to help in multiple ways. We bring people together – large numbers of them, from all backgrounds and circumstances – and create personal connections. Our proximity to people and communities is an organizational asset.
The coronavirus is a global pandemic and a national emergency, and nobody is certain what the next days or weeks hold. On Saturday, we updated the Y’s social media platforms regarding changes to our programming and within a few hours it was announced that Central Massachusetts had its first confirmed case, necessitating further action.
We recognize that there is no easy solution; please know that we are diligently working to make the best decisions with the information we have available to us for our members, our staff and for our Y. Through multiple leadership discussions, we wrestled between our commitment to individual and community health and our need to do everything possible to “flatten the curve.” We have an organizational responsibility to do everything in our power to prevent the spread of this virus.
We will provide frequent communications to our members and program participants to outline the services of the YMCA and encourage our community to maintain healthy habits. Effective March 16, 2020, all branches of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts will be closed.
I am continuously monitoring the situation, understanding that it is constantly changing and requiring a swift response. We are taking direction and adopting practices from the CDC, locals Boards of Health, State Agencies, such as the MA Department of Early Education and Care, and local and state governments. In addition, we are partnering with the Alliance of MA YMCAs and YUSA for information and best practices sharing. I am conducting regular conference calls with our Executive Leadership Team and branch leadership. Collectively, we have been working to support the efforts of the school systems throughout our service area and will continue to complement their efforts where appropriate (such as adjusting our food initiatives to provide snacks and meals to participants in our child care programs where available). In addition, we’re expediting developing strategies to offer virtual workouts that our members can do from home to promote well-being, physically and mentally, throughout this difficult time. Stay tuned!
In the coming weeks, the Y’s leadership will continue to work with an urgency that the current circumstances demand. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we maneuver through these unprecedented times. Please contact your local branch should you have any questions. Most importantly, take care of yourself and your family, and I look forward to seeing you soon at your YMCA.
Member Update CEO March 15 pdf download
Program and Facility Update
IMPORTANT PROGRAM/FACILITY UPDATE
Effective March 16, 2020
We understand that this is a chaotic time for all of us, and we appreciate your patience as we continue to provide updates and information. At the Y, we’re committed to building strong individuals, families and communities, which means we’re working hard to keep our branches open and safe so you can pursue wellness in the long and short term.
If you are feeling well and wish to come to the Y to exercise in our wellness center, swimming pools or gymnasium, we welcome you to do so. If you are ill, please stay home for the health and safety of all. We’re working on fun ways for you to stay fit inside, be it in our pools or fitness facilities or virtually, with some of the Y’s favorite instructors and trainers during this time. Watch for a separate email regarding this opportunity very soon!
While facing this unprecedented circumstance we are taking the following actions for programs and activities that directly involve close contact with either program/class participants and/or YMCA Staff.
Group Classes and Activities will be Cancelled effective Monday morning March 16th – Sunday, March 29th. This will include all paid programming, aquatic and land group exercise, child watch/kids zone, teen centers, parties, events, rentals and social group meetings. Information on the Spring session will be communicated prior to March 30, 2020. If you have specific questions please email [email protected].
We also want to share what steps we are taking to ensure the health and safety of our members, program participants, community and staff during this time:
What we’re doing for members and staff
To align with social distancing precautions, we are working to maximize our spaces and minimize unnecessary contact. These measures include limiting the number of members and staff in close spaces in our facilities. It may also be necessary to limit the number of people using exercise equipment in order to allow for appropriate distancing. We appreciate your understanding that your Y Experience may look and feel a little different during this time, and we appreciate your support and cooperation as we navigate through this dynamic situation together with the safety and health of community as our priority.
Existing Protocols Will Continue
- We’re continuing to follow strict disinfection and cleaning protocols, including wiping down high-trafficked community spaces and providing antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizer in our facilities.
- Additional signage and messaging to encourage all members and staff to follow hygiene best practices.
The YMCA as an organization is built on the foundation of supporting and strengthening the communities we serve. Through this challenge we will continue to do so. In times of uncertainty or crisis, the YMCA has steadfastly remained the place for health in all aspects: physical, social, emotional, spiritual. We realize these changes are a disruption to routines and the communities within our walls. During these unsettling days, we want to reassure you that as a group we are doing everything we can to continually assess the situation and make decisions based on the greatest potential for positive outcomes. While this is outside what any of us could have imagined, together we can navigate this challenge because we are an organization that is Determined, Hopeful, Welcoming, Genuine and Nurturing.
It is because of all of you that we can say that we are an amazing place. We couldn’t be US without YOU. We wish you and your families all the best in health through these next few weeks. Any questions you may have can be shared with your branch leadership teams or program director. We will do our very best to continue to keep you informed.
Ideas, Suggestions, and Questions
We are continuing to challenge ourselves to find more ways to support our members, participants, and staff. Your input, suggestions, ideas and questions are welcomed at [email protected].
In community,
Your YMCA Staff
Postponed: Mission In Motion 2020
Coronavirus Precaution and Safety Measures
The recent outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has understandably led to a number of questions about how we can prepare and respond in our local communities. While a number of cases in the United States has caused concerns about public health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to remind us that the imminent risk to the general public remains low at this time.
It is always practical, however, to take precautions against any seasonal illness to remain as healthy as possible. Below, please find information about what the Y is doing to prepare for and prevent Coronavirus, as well as tips for individuals and families.
What we’re doing at the Y:
- Routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces like tables/countertops, doorknobs, fitness equipment, lockers, phones, toys, and other common “high touch” items with family-friendly products.
- Currently, we have enhanced our cleaning protocols to give focused attention to all surfaces, equipment and common areas. We are actively reinforcing the preventative measures outlined by the CDC and ensuring that hand sanitizing stations and wipes to clean equipment continue
- Asking staff who feel symptomatic to stay home, especially if they work directly with children.
What our community can do (per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Remain home with your children if anyone in your immediate family displays symptoms.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid sharing food, utensils, or drinking glasses.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces frequently, including fitness equipment, toys, and keyboards.
The CDC will be providing daily updates and recommendations, as well as additional tips for travelers and people experiencing symptoms, which can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
We appreciate your diligence as we learn more about the Coronavirus. We are following the situation closely and will continue to update you as new information becomes available. We are in close communication with YMCAs across the Commonwealth, Y-USA as well as with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
New Tri-Community Family Branch YMCA Teen Center
Tri-Community Family Branch YMCA in Southbridge, MA
With our construction of the Joseph Athanas Youth & Teen Center, we will have a permanent place for our teens to call home. No longer having to move around or cancel meetings due to spacing issues, the teens will:
- Develop a sense of belonging in a space to call their own.
- Schedule more volunteer opportunities to give back to the community.
- Build on their skills and positive personality traits in workshops.
- Be under the watchful eye of a positive role model they can engage with and learn from.
The Y’s cause of strengthening the foundations of community is as relevant today as it has been since our inception. From our rich legacy of committed and passionate volunteers to defining services based on community strengths and needs, to providing access to Y programs, our organization continues to effect positive change.
Teens are passionate about YMCA Programs. Read their letter to the Telegram and Gazette.
Follow the Tri-Community Family Branch on Facebook for updates.
Learn more about the Tri-Community Family Branch YMCA
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