ARTICLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE YMCA Responds to Community Needs During COVID-19 The Harrison Family YMCA in Rocky Mount, NC announced on March 15th that they would be suspending all facility access and programs for a minimum of two weeks. This was based on many health recommendations from state and local health experts and consultations with the NC Alliance of YMCAs and YMCA of the USA. Based on these continued recommendations, the organization must now extend their temporary suspension through April 30th. The coronavirus outbreak has created enormous uncertainty for us all, but how we respond is within our control," says Jacquelyn Price, CEO of the Harrison Family YMCA. "As soon as it became apparent that our Y needed to change course to support our community, we did." The YMCA’s Leadership Team immediately mobilized to explore ways to provide that support. During this time, the Y has been working diligently and pro-actively to identify community needs and be there as a resource where feasible. They have opened up their child care for emergency care/essential workers, reached out to the elderly and others in need to ensure they have what they need during this time, explored and shared other community resources, launched virtual group exercise classes and other at-home activities for youth and families, and are now exploring ways to help distribute food to those in need. "We want to help others navigate through this crisis by helping to provide resources to fill community needs. As an organization committed to social responsibility and as a Y, we will stand strong through these challenges and come together to do great things even through uncertain times." At the Harrison Family YMCA, everything is guided by their commitment to nurture the potential of children, support your health and well-being, and provide support for the community. The Y is known to be so much more than a gym. And at the Y, they think of their members as much more than just a facility member. All members are a part of the Y’s purpose and a partner in strengthening the foundations of community. As our local Y responds to these community needs during this unprecedented time, they are asking everyone to retain their memberships and donations if they are able, understanding not everyone will be able to do this. Membership fees enable the Y to help build back the community during this time, support employees, and remain strong through these extraordinary circumstances. Donations allow for furthering their community outreach and serving those in need. They are asking everyone to "Stay With Us" during this time to continue supporting their purpose of strengthening community, so that they can continue to serve in the same ways once things open back up. "We appreciate all the positive messages of support that have been received. We are grateful to have such a strong Y community - supporting each other and our YMCA. Thank you for your partnership, your patience, and your trust. Your participation and engagement make our YMCA the organization it is. The Y is not a place. It is a collection of people joined together, all of us, committed to improving lives and strengthening the community." For more information regarding the Y's responses and resources for COVID-19, please visit https://www.harrisonfamilyy.org/coronavirus-information-0
YMCA Responds to Community Needs During COVID-19
"We appreciate all the positive messages of support that have been received. We are grateful to have such a strong Y community - supporting each other and our YMCA. Thank you for your partnership, your patience, and your trust. Your participation and engagement make our YMCA the organization it is. The Y is not a place. It is a collection of people joined together, all of us, committed to improving lives and strengthening the community."
For more information regarding the Y's responses and resources for COVID-19, please visit https://www.harrisonfamilyy.org/coronavirus-information-0