NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT
WAYS THE YMCA IS STILL WORKING… The YMCA is Still Serving the Community Amidst the Pandemic Suffice it to say, 2020 has not gone the way anyone ever anticipated. The cancellations, closures and delays have been unprecedented. This reality has been seen very clearly in the impacted operations of many of our stalwart, essential services throughout the community, including the Alabaster YMCA. ADJUSTING TO SERVE Ashley Waid is the Regional Executive Director of the Alabaster/Pelham branches of the YMCA of Greater Birmingham. She was responsible for implementing many of the necessary changes and adjustments to local branches this year. “When we closed our YMCAs ahead of state-mandated closures, we quickly transitioned into emergency childcare facilities to assist families of essential workers,” she recalled. “By June 1, we had provided over 25,000 hours of childcare so these workers could serve the community.” Through the Y’s Farmers to Families program and a partnership with the Community Food Bank, the organization is proud to have distributed boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in the area, some with food insecurity challenges. “To date, we've assisted almost 1,000 families in the Alabaster community and plan to continue the distribution through the end of the year,” she pointed out. CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY’S KIDS The YMCA is dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For this reason, Ashley explained that as businesses slowly began to open up, they realized the importance of
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continuing to provide childcare so families – especially those of working mothers – could get back to work. “Our Summer Fun Club allowed working parents the option of childcare.” Now, as schools have started back under the various models of in-person versus virtual learning, the Y remains on the forefront of providing care for students, whether through an Afterschool Academy or creating "virtual learning space" at the facility. The YMCA’s School Support Academy is the full-time program aiming to support children and their families while the students are on their remote learning days. “Students can bring their devices and our staff will help them do their school work during the day,” said YMCA of Greater Birmingham’s Youth Development Director, Rhonda Elmore. “Our goal is that we want families to be able to work and also make sure that kids are in a safe learning environment during that time.” The School Support Academy is available for kindergarten through eighth-grade students, but there is limited capacity, as the organization operates under similar guidelines to what the schools are held to. “However, even if the Alabaster location is full, an Alabaster family can go to any Y for this service,” said Elmore. “We have eight different location options available.” More information and links to register your child can be found online at www.ymcabham.org/school-support-academy. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT Currently, facility access is offered to members under social distancing guidelines, reduced capacity, and state health order requirements. Ages eight and up are required to wear a face covering when entering and exiting the facility and in general lobby and member spaces. Face coverings are not required while working out. “All members will have their temperature taken prior to check-in, and staff will also receive daily temperature checks.” Although the closures put a financial burden on the Y, Ashley was quick to express her gratitude to the philanthropic community for their support. “Because of their funding, we've been able to make a difference during this unprecedented time,” she said thankfully. “But our work is far from complete, and we still need the support of the Alabaster community.” To contribute to the ongoing services, support, and success of the Alabaster YMCA, please visit www.ymcabham.org/ annual-campaign.
