YMCA of CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

Dear YMCA of Central Massachusetts Community,

Words seem so inadequate to express the sorrow and grief we are all feeling regarding the death of George Floyd. On behalf of the entire YMCA of Central Massachusetts, our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Floyd’s family, friends, co-workers and community. Our Y team’s hearts are broken and our sadness is deep as we stand with all in our local community who are devastated, disappointed, disgusted and distressed by a tragedy that was avoidable. Every day we work with you to strengthen our community, so all can thrive. Unfortunately, tragedies like this can make us feel helpless and hopeless. The pain and suffering of young and old alike who live in neighborhoods similar to where this heartbreak happened touches all of us.

Your YMCA is committed to continue to work even harder with you and in our communities to erase racism, inequities and disparities that exist. Human dignity and empathy are paramount – always. Here are some of the ways the YMCA is increasing its efforts to serve our community:

1. Leverage our inclusion work with our YMCA staff serving youth and families so more people in our community can get the support they need to manage trauma constructively and peacefully as well as deal with the effects of the coronavirus crisis on their health and wellbeing.
2. Collaborate more with our local and national community partners to combat inequities locally, nationally and globally.

We invite you to join us in our efforts. The Y’s values of caring, honesty, responsibility and respect will continue to guide us as we navigate challenges our community faces. The Y is here for you and we firmly believe that together we are stronger.

For A Better Us,

David Connell
President and CEO

Download letter from the CEO

“New England Patriots defensive tackle Lawrence Guy is teaming up with New England Dairy and Worcester Public Schools to donate food and milk Thursday to those in need.

Guy and his wife, Andrea Guy, will provide a week’s worth of meals and milk to 1,300 children and their families.

Families will get a box of groceries and a gallon of milk.”

View the full WCVB Channel 5 News story here

For more information about the Food Program, please contact Pam Suprenant at the Central Community Branch YMCA located at 766 Main Street, Worcester, MA.
[email protected]

Our Tri-Community Family Branch YMCA in Souhtbridge, MA held a Food Drive to support local Food Pantries. This special drive-through event was held on May 14th from 9 am – 1 pm. Staff and volunteers were able to collect food directly from donor’s vehicles.

The food drive was a huge success and the amount of food collected matched the Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive!

Thank you for all of you support!

One of the most recognized smiling faces at the Boroughs Family Branch is Christine Salovardos, LIVESTRONG^® at the Y Coordinator. Ask any participant of this signature initiative and they will tell you that she has been their lifeline through and after their cancer treatment; their participation in the program is really the icing on the cake.

Christine has gotten to know each and every one of our cancer survivors at the branch. From the time she sat with them for their initial assessment, to the post-graduation classes and activities she facilitates, people are clear to say that Christine has been instrumental in their journeys.

So when she saw a message on Facebook that a LIVESTRONG^® at the Y graduate was experiencing challenges getting food delivered, Christine immediately jumped into action. “When I saw Ellen’s post, I knew she was experiencing difficulties getting around and with a compromised immune system, the last place I wanted to see her was in a grocery store. I simply sent her a message and offered to do some quick shopping,” says Christine.

Because sometimes, all it takes is a helping hand. Christine is so closely connected with so many members at the branch – particularly the LIVESTRONG^® at the Y participants – that it was not even a second thought to assist Ellen and make things a little easier. Christine, like many others, are anxious to return to the Y.  “I cannot wait for the branch to reopen,” she says. “I just may cry when I see everyone – and it cannot come soon enough.” Until then, Christine wants to remind all of her “friends” to keep on moving!

Check out our live stream schedule to connect with Christine for a real-time workout online with Zoom!

As your YMCA continues to provide critical services to the community, we are grateful for those who join us and support our important efforts – like the Worcester Together Fund, a partnership of Greater Worcester Community Foundation and United Way of Central Massachusetts, in cooperation with the City of Worcester. The Y just received a $25,000 grant for our Emergency Child Care Program. We’re all in this together – thankfully. ❤️

Our YMCA President and CEO, David Connell, was a featured guest on a recent “The Working Lunch from Home” special edition hosted by MassHire.

Watch the video below to hear David Connell and our friends at the Worcester Boys & Girls Club talk about the community and our  Y’s response to the pandemic including; Emergency Childcare Services, connecting with members, anti-hunger programs, and the overall community impact.