A Community Magazine from the YMCA of Greater Richmond
Vol. 2 • Issue I • Winter 2010
Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA provides group exercise to the elderly
Group Therapy Gwen Foley inspires others to get in shape
Formula for Success
Willie Smith takes on the weight loss battle and wins
Winter Program Guide
Cycle of Caring
To make a donation to the YMCA of Greater Richmond, return the enclosed envelope or visit www.ymcarichmond.org
Friendship Café
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Looking for a New Year’s resolution that will stick?
The YMCA of Greater Richmond is ready to help you realize the greatest benefits from your planned gifts to the Y.
Our director of planned giving is available to assist you and your financial advisor with a wide range of gift planning services. For example:
Sports Backers and the YMCA have teamed up to help runners and walkers of all abilities complete the 2010 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k on Saturday, March 27. When you sign up for the YMCA 10k Training Team, this is what you get: 10-week training program (starts on Saturday, January 16) with a detailed written schedule Guidance from experienced coaches Organized weekly group runs/walks A special YMCA 10k Training Team shirt Entry in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k along with its great benefits Special clinics on subjects like running shoes and other related topics
Bequest Language We will provide you with specific legal language for your will including how to designate a specific YMCA branch for your bequest. Gifts we receive through wills ensure that the Y will continue its mission for future generations. You may also designate the YMCA as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance or other financial instruments. Charitable Income Plans We can assist you in establishing a charitable trust, or other charitable income plans, or work with your financial advisor to provide you with a specific plan for your gift to the YMCA of Greater Richmond. Customized Illustrations We will prepare a customized gift illustration that estimates both income and tax benefits for charitable gift annuities or charitable trusts. Or you can go to www.ymcarichmond.plannedgifts.org and use our gift calculator to prepare your own estimate in the privacy of your home.
For more information, please contact Jane Hamilton at (804) 474-4332 or hamiltonj@ymcarichmond.org.
You don’t have to be a YMCA member to participate in the YMCA 10k Training Team. Visit www.sportsbackers.org in December to see a schedule of orientation meetings or sign up. The deadline for entry in the YMCA 10k Training Team is Friday, January 22, 2010. 2
YMCA of Greater Richmond 2 W. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23220 We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.
contents
december – february
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10
16
news
community
healthy living
Patrick Henry Family YMCA Breaks Ground to Expand 6
Friendship Café 8
Expert Advice 15 Formula for Success 16
Volunteer Appreciation 6
Group Therapy 14
a YMCA story
Healthy Recipes 18
Midlothian Family YMCA Expansion 7 Volunteer Appreciation 7
Cycle of Caring 10
To make a donation to the YMCA of Greater Richmond, return the enclosed envelope or visit www.ymcarichmond.org
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kids’ page Kids Page 19
On the Cover: Bellwood Elementary YMCA after-school student doing homework • Photography: Scott Elmquist
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YMCA member corner
YMCA of Greater Richmond President & CEO Barry M. Taylor
Member Letters The members below recently completed a weight-loss challenge hosted by the John Rolfe Family YMCA. For six months, they exercised and dieted under the supervision of YMCA wellness staff. This is what they had to say after it was over: My wife Karen and I would like to thank you for putting together the outstanding Fit & Firm by Fall Program at the John Rolfe YMCA. To say that the program was “life changing” is a huge understatement. When Karen and I were approached to join the Tatter Tatts team by Cindy – who didn’t need to lose an ounce of weight – we were pretty skeptical about a $20.00 program even though Karen was after me to lose weight to improve my health. So reluctantly, I agreed to join the Tatter Tatts and weighed in. This was after Karen asked me if my life insurance was current before the first workout. It was the best $20.00 investment I ever made! I wish all my investments turned out this well! The workout program you set up for me was perfect! More importantly, your knowledge, persistence to the program and encouragement kept us working out and meeting our goals. The team concept was excellent for me since I am very competitive and want to win at anything I do! I can’t believe I am saying this but I really enjoyed Camp Jack in the summer! It was another very nice addition to the program.
Executive Vice President/Operations Dick Lyons
We would like to thank the John Rolfe staff for their knowledge, willingness to help, their encouragement, and friendship. Please extend special thanks to Mike, Eileen, Jeff, Remmie and Heather. In closing, I want to thank you once again for an outstanding program and we plan on doing your October - January program. Thanks again for a great program! - Bob and Karen Tatti I joined the Firm & Fit program in March of this year. I was overweight, completely out of shape and always tired. I wanted to lose weight and get in better physical shape, but I didn’t know where to begin. Under the guidance and supervision of Monica, I learned exactly how to start safely exercising. I quickly increased the intensity of my workouts and then began to control my diet. The workout sessions were helpful in pushing me beyond what I thought possible, and it was fun working out with other people in the program. I made some good friends in the process, and we really encouraged each other. Firm & Fit is a commitment to exercise and eat healthier foods, and because I made that commitment, I lost 46 pounds by the end of the program. I feel so much better, have so much energy, and am in the best shape I’ve been in for years!
Senior Vice President & CFO Randy Spears Senior Vice President of Philanthropy Nancy Trego
Editorial Board Vice President Marketing & Communications D. Todd Gray Creative Director Marketing & Communications Larissa Tyler Communications Director John Wallace Vice President for Community Development & Programs Tito Luna Planned Giving Director Jane Hamilton Contributors Bruce Yoder, Evelyn Zak, Ryan Dalton, Valerie Callahan Contributing Photographers Scott Elmquist, Casey Templeton, Nancy Parker Contact 804-649-9622 or www.ymcarichmond.org Our Values Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are the basis for all that we do.
- Karen Nye
we want your stories...
Send your YMCA stories to letters@ymcarichmond.org. 4 4
Executive Vice President/Operations Membership and Programs Karen Keegan
YMCA Connect is produced quarterly by the YMCA of Greater Richmond. The YMCA of Greater Richmond is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes to the extent provided by law.
President’s Letter
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
What inspires you? I often find inspiration from my children, our incredible YMCA volunteers, my church and the people with whom I work. Another source of inspiration and great pleasure that accompanies my job is stopping when I walk through a YMCA branch and speaking with a member who shares how the YMCA makes a difference in his or her life.
It has been one year since we first published YMCA Connect. In our first four issues, we have shared many stories of inspiration from our fifteen branches, child care locations and program sites. As one of the largest charities in the Commonwealth of Virginia, simply delivering our mission – “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all” – can’t help but inspire each of us to contribute to the community. In this, our second winter issue of YMCA Connect, you will see how the YMCA of Greater Richmond delivers a “Cycle of Caring” on page 10. Some may be aware that we are the largest provider of child care in the state. Yet, our service to children reaches further with YMCA Bright Beginnings, YMCA Learn to Swim, Christmas Connections and Summer Camp. You’ll read about the Midlothian YMCA’s partnership with Chesterfield County’s Communities in Schools and Bellwood Elementary School to provide all of the above to one of our most vulnerable populations. Mary Kay Gates, executive director of the Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA, was inspired to work with her staff. Together they assembled a program to address fitness issues facing the area’s senior population and partnered with other agencies resulting in an enhanced Friendship Café
which you will learn about on page 8. I believe it’s impossible to read Gwen Foley’s story - “Group Therapy” on page 14 – and not be inspired to push harder than you thought humanly possible. As a YMCA group exercise instructor, she is a natural leader challenging individuals to be their best. Doing that while battling cancer is an amazing, superhuman feat! Throughout the pages of this YMCA Connect issue, you’ll read about many other remarkable individuals who have fought hard to lose weight, made better health their priority and inspired themselves or others. You will read evidence that the YMCA of Greater Richmond’s mission is not in recession! Please consider making a charitable gift with the enclosed envelope or give online at www.ymcarichmond.org/donate for thousands of individuals to benefit each day from the YMCA’s programs and services.
Turn the page, be inspired!
To make a donation to the YMCA of Greater Richmond, return the enclosed envelope or visit www.ymcarichmond.org
our mission
Barry M. Taylor President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Richmond
We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.
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YMCA news
Left to Right: Tricia Hutnan, Barry Taylor, Sharon Coleman, Art McKinney, Jerry McKinney, Dale Foley, Gwen Foley, Hart Roper, Reid Ashe, Hugh Joyce, Milton Munden, Sylvia Acors, Jim Pollard
Patrick Henry Family YMCA Breaks Ground to Expand Patrick Henry YMCA
On October 23, the Patrick Henry Family YMCA broke ground on a two-story expansion that will consolidate its two current locations into one at their Ashcake Road facility. The additional 32,000 square feet of space will include a 6,000 square foot wellness center with state-of-the-art fitness equipment; two modern group exercise studios; beautiful spaces (and programming) for schoolage students with a specially-designed teen center for “tweenagers” to have fun and learn character development; open fellowship space for seniors; and multiple family friendly spaces where all people can spend time together, grow and reach their full potential. “This project will make our values-based YMCA a gathering place for all – the fulfillment of our dream to accommodate everyone and support their growth in spirit, mind and body,” says Patrick Henry Family YMCA Executive Director Tricia Hutnan.
Reid Ashe (left) Hart Roper (right) 6
Outgoing Chair of the Association Board Hart Roper and Chair Elect Reid Ashe share an enduring passion for the YMCA. Hart Roper began his service with the YMCA of Greater Richmond in the 1980s with branch involvement and serving in numerous roles before being elected chair of the Association Board in 2007. On several occasions he has said, “Volunteering is the best paying job I’ve ever had.” Hart also says, “Our family’s lives have been about kids and values, and the Y cares deeply about both of those.” Reid Ashe attended a YMCA camp in North Carolina when he was nine years old. He remained a steadfast Y volunteer for 32 years, leading YMCA Boards in Tennessee, Kansas and Florida. “The Y has been part of our family,” says Reid proudly. “Our sons attended YMCA Camp when they were younger. Both David and Reid III served as YMCA camp counselors.” Reid and his wife, Lisa sought out the Y as a vehicle for giving back to the community when they moved to Richmond. Reid succeeds Hart Roper as Chair of the Board in 2010.
Midlothian Family YMCA Expansion
calendar december Child Watch
New preschool and school-age classrooms, interactive game zone and children’s adventure center provide children with safe and stimulating environments that promote cognitive and social development. An intergenerational center designed for shared usage among active adults and teens will bring generations together by expanding programs and social opportunities.
Teen Leaders’ Christmas tree sales Shady Grove and Tuckahoe Family YMCAs Support holiday drives at your local YMCA Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k Training Teams registration opens – 12/1 Christmas Eve YMCA branches close at 4 p.m.
The expanded wellness center, new group exercise studio, massage studio and brand-new gymnasium will help develop healthy bodies, relieve stress and promote socialization.
Christmas – 12/25 YMCA branches closed
january New Year’s Eve Branches close at 4 p.m. New Year’s Day Branches open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. YMCA 10k Training Teams First group run – 1/16
february Summer camp registration opens Love Your Heart Month
To make a donation to the YMCA of Greater Richmond, return the enclosed envelope or visit www.ymcarichmond.org
Over 3 years ago, the Midlothian Family YMCA began a journey to better meet the needs of its close-knit but growing village. With 27,000 square feet of new facility renovations complete, the YMCA has expanded its capacity to serve the kids, families and residents of Midlothian. We invite all Metro Facility Members to utilize their new-and-improved YMCA.
Black History Month Valentine’s Day – 2/14 Richmond Parents Monthly Camp Fair – 2/6 Hosted by the Tuckahoe Family YMCA 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Wellness Center 7
YMCA community
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Friendship Café
be inspired
When the YMCA takes its mission into the community, partners are a must. Our work in Powhatan County with older adults is a prime example. The first connection came through a request to The Community Foundation for the YMCA to serve the elderly poor in Powhatan County. Working with her staff, Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA Executive Director Mary Kay Gates put together a program that linked the Y’s experience with fitness issues among seniors with two partnering agencies, Senior Connections and Meals on Wheels, and two “silent partners,” the Central Virginia Food Bank and St. John Neumann Catholic Church, the home of the Senior Connection’s Friendship Café. The Community Foundation’s donor liked the idea and funded the project. The Y provides group exercise classes twice weekly at the Friendship Café, in homes, or at the Powhatan YMCA. Cardio condition, flexibility, strength and blood pressure have all consistently improved at an age when a decline in these measures is often expected. This year, the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg became another partner as it funded the expansion of the project into a second Friendship Café and the new Senior Center in Innsbrook. The expanding project will tap the resources of another church, two more YMCAs and an arts organization. The program promises to improve the health of more senior adults. This is an opportune time to look back with gratitude to the anonymous donor who took the first step and thank the partners on this journey who enhance the mission of the YMCA in the community.
To make a donation to the YMCA of Greater Richmond, return the enclosed envelope or visit www.ymcarichmond.org
Friendship Café participants
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YMCA community
be inspired
Gwen Foley
GroupTherapy YMCA Group Exercise Instructor Gwen Foley’s doctors are amazed, YMCA staff are amazed, and her class participants are amazed, especially those who have battled cancer. “She has not slowed down. Just watching her has motivated me to get in shape more than anything else,” says class participant and cancer survivor, Nancy Layne. Gwen began taking group exercise classes at the Patrick Henry Family YMCA nearly 10 years ago. After three years, she decided to become a certified fitness instructor and has taught classes at the YMCA ever since. Her passion for exercise and helping others extended to the YMCA overall, leading her to volunteer on the Patrick Henry YMCA’s Board of Management. In November 2008, doctors confirmed Gwen had an aggressive, protein-based form of breast cancer. Six months of chemotherapy began in December, surgery was scheduled for May 2009, and 36 grueling rounds of radiation followed. 10
“There were times when I didn’t think I could teach. But I’m always rejuvenated when class is over. I know I’d be worse off not exercising,“ says Gwen, who continued to teach classes while undergoing chemotherapy. “Four weeks after my surgery I was on the treadmill, and I’ve continued to work full time at the Virginia General Assembly and teach as many as four aerobics classes per week during radiation.” When Gwen removed her head wrap during an exercise class to expose her newly-grown hair, she was greeted by hugs and hoorahs from members and staff. “It makes me feel good to know I’ve helped somebody. Whether they’re ill or healthy, a regular exerciser or new to fitness, it’s about letting them take their mind off their troubles even if it’s just for one hour,” says Gwen. “That’s what I love and that’s what keeps me going.” To find Gwen’s next group exercise class or the next class at your local YMCA, visit www.ymcarichmond.org and click on the Schedules link.
We asked our members what their goals are in the New Year. Here’s what they had to say:
YMCA healthy living
expert advice “I referee high school basketball games, so I need to stay in good shape. It takes a lot to run up and down the court with those high school athletes,” says Mark.
Cliff Green volunteers his time as a YMCA youth soccer and basketball coach.
Deanne Hamilton
“I hope to help the Y grow and encourage more members to make it a regular part of their lives,” says Cliff.
Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer Deanne Hamilton travels the YMCA of Greater Richmond association providing nutritional assessments and consultations to members. Deanne also teaches SHAPEDOWN Express and Wired for Joy, comprehensive programs designed to help families and individuals address the stressors that undermine healthy lifestyles. “Working just on nutrition and exercise can be like working on the roof of a house in hopes of fixing the foundation. Those who really want to change their lifestyle need to focus on the forces that are driving their bad habits.” says Deanne, who incorporates three elements in her programs: Learning the skills to deal with stress Taking care of your health Mastery Living
We caught Bernard Williams exercising in the pool.
“I want to stay in good health and exercise at the Y as much as possible. I’d like to keep my weight down and cut back on sugar,” says Bernard.
“You must first identify and learn how to address the underlying stress in your life in more effective and adaptive ways,” says Deanne. “Only then can you successfully incorporate and sustain a healthier lifestyle.” “Try not to feel so alone in this. Get support from Y staff, get support from your friends and family. It’s about making small changes and staying on track and knowing that it’s not always going to be easy. If it were, people would have made these changes a long time ago,” says Deanne. Deanne can be reached at (804) 360-1671 or hamiltond@ ymcarichmond.org. For more information about SHAPEDOWN Express or Wired for Joy, visit www.ymcarichmond.org.
To make a donation to the YMCA of Greater Richmond, return the enclosed envelope or visit www.ymcarichmond.org
Mark Kellum’s job performance is uniquely tied to his physical fitness.
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a YMCA story
Bellwood Elementary YMCA after - school program kids
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Scott Elmquist
Cycle of caring
Scott Elmquist
Kids receive homework assistance
Some children live in house trailers. Others live in the tired motels strung along Route 1, relics of a time when commerce, not poverty, characterized this part of Chesterfield County. The fortunate few live in small rented homes. About forty percent of these children live in single-parent homes. Their fathers work as roofers and gardeners. Their mothers work as cooks and take care of housekeeping for the hotels in which they live. These are the children of Bellwood Elementary School whose lives are warmed and brightened by the YMCA’s cycle of caring. The YMCA’s entry into Bellwood Elementary School began in 1997 through a partnership we initiated with Chesterfield County Schools and Chesterfield County Communities In Schools (CIS). Jay Swedenborg, CIS site director at Bellwood, is a hero to the 70 children in the YMCA after-school program that serves students who are in the bottom quartile of their class academically and who qualify for the federal lunch program. With two strikes against them, these children benefit from homework help and healthy activities. The program is based in the school cafeteria. But ask these children where they go after school and they tell you, “To the Y!” The after-school program is the key component in our cycle of caring. It is complemented by four distinct programs and fueled by our commitment to help children flourish. YMCA Bright Beginnings pairs a Bellwood student with a caring volunteer for a memorable back-to-school shopping experience. For many children, this is the first time that they will shop at a store for new clothes or have a brand new backpack full of school supplies. Continued on page 14
To make a donation to the YMCA of Greater Richmond, return the enclosed envelope or visit www.ymcarichmond.org
YMCA Bright Beginnings
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Learn to Swim is offered at no cost to second graders each spring, one day per week for seven weeks. Jay remembers Bellwood’s first Learn to Swim class. The children were in their bathing suits, waiting on the pool deck at the Manchester Family YMCA. The swim instructor called the branch to warn he had been delayed traveling from another branch. Without missing a beat, the former executive director, Karen Keegan, excused herself, reappeared in her swim suit, jumped in the pool and began teaching the lesson. Jay recalls thinking, “When an exec is in the water helping out, you know the Y is totally committed. This is going to be good.”
YMCA Learn to Swim
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To make a donation to the YMCA of Greater Richmond, return the enclosed envelope or visit www.ymcarichmond.org
Not only has the collaboration been good for the YMCA and for the children, it’s been wildly popular. The children know that Learn to Swim is after spring break. Yet, they begin asking in September when they can swim. The classes are such a hit that Jay once overheard a student tell a younger child, “If you are going to repeat a grade, make sure it’s second grade so you can take swim lessons two years in a row!” Learn to Swim is as popular with the parents and teachers as it is with the children. Second Grade Teacher Heidi Foutz observes, “What is most rewarding is seeing students who are not normally leaders having an opportunity to excel.” Danielle Uride, a Bellwood parent for five years, tells us, “My three children have been a part of YMCA Bright Beginnings, the after-school program, and, after the coming year, all three will have been in Learn to Swim. The YMCA is a blessing to my family.” Between YMCA Bright Beginnings and Learn to Swim comes the cold of winter. But that cold is buffered by the generosity of the Midlothian Family YMCA Board of Management and YMCA members through Christmas Connections. Board members bring coats to the annual holiday dinner. Jay drives away that night with his pickup looking like Santa’s sleigh, bags of coats piled high in the bed. YMCA members donate Christmas presents. The gifts are handed out by a YMCA Santa Claus during the annual YMCA Bellwood Christmas Party. When the school year wraps up, the YMCA enrolls ten Bellwood students, free of charge, in the Midlothian Family YMCA’s Camp Saponi. For these students, the camp is two weeks chock full of fun and memories for students to share back at their Y – the Bellwood Elementary School cafeteria – when a new school year and a new cycle of caring begins.
Scott Elmquist
Building memories
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YMCA spirit, mind, body
What if we told you we found the formula for success? Unfortunately we’re all so unique there is no such thing. But one Goochland Family YMCA member will tell you that if you set goals, seek support and don’t give up, you too can succeed. In early 2008, Willie Smith weighed over 300 pounds. It was his determination and regular fitness routine that were recognized by YMCA staff who worked with him to develop a fitness and nutrition plan tailored to his lifestyle. “I knew the health statistics around obesity. I wanted to live a longer life and not be limited by my weight. My family and friends have all been very supportive, but the encouragement and guidance from the friendly staff at the YMCA really helped me get where I am now,” says Willie. “I took a free personal wellness profile (PWP) and, using the results, we developed a fitness and nutrition plan. When I started, I was winded doing simple tasks.” After reaching a plateau 50 pounds into his goal, staff encouraged Willie to join the YMCA Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k Training Team. “I started off with the walkers and advanced to a novice runner.” says Smith, who finished his first 10k in one hour, 15 minutes. “Now, I’m looking forward to running my second 10k.” Willie has lost over 110 pounds! Instead of taking a break, he has set new goals for toning up, maintaining his weight loss and setting a new personal record in the 2010 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k. Willie found the formula that worked for him, and you can too. Whether you sign up for the 10k training team in December, take advantage of free wellness services for members or participate in Love Your Heart Month in February, the YMCA has the resources to meet your unique goals. Visit www.ymcarichmond.org/wellness to learn more about YMCA wellness resources. YMCA 10k Training Team information can be found at www.ymcarichmond.org/10k.
{ be inspired }
Willie Smith after weight loss
To make a donation to the YMCA of Greater Richmond, return the enclosed envelope or visit www.ymcarichmond.org
Formula for Success
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YMCA healthy recipe
Hot Artichoke Dip Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Calories: 98; Fat: 4g; Protein: 5.8g; Carbohydrate: 10.3g; Fiber: 2.4g; Cholesterol: 9mg; Sodium: 488mg;
Directions Preheat oven to 400Ëš Combine first four ingredients in a food processor; add 1 can of artichoke and beans. Process until smooth. Add remaining can of artichokes, 3/4 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, 1 tablespoon parsley, and garlic. Pulse 20 times or until artichokes are coarsely chopped.
Ingredients
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream 1/3 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 (14 ounce) cans artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained 1 (15.5 ounce) can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup (4 ounces) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided 3 garlic cloves, minced cooking spary
February is Love Your Heart Month at the YMCA of Greater Richmond Love Your Heart Month offers you opportunities for: Personal Wellness Profile ($50 value free to members) Full lipid profile (fee applies) Expanded CPR/AED courses Group exercise and water fitness courses Incentives and prizes for sampling new programs and activities Educational seminars and programs 18
Spoon mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray; sprinkle top with remaining 1/4 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and remaining 1 tablespoon parsley. Bake at 400Ëš for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Serving Size: 12 servings (serving size: 1/3 cup)
[ we want your recipes ] Please submit your favorites to recipes@ymcarichmond.org.
To make a donation to the YMCA of Greater Richmond, return the enclosed envelope or visit www.ymcarichmond.org
HONESTY
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YMCA of Greater Richmond 2 West Franklin Street • Richmond, VA 23220 804.649.9622 • www.ymcarichmond.org
non-profit u.s. postage paid richmond, va permit no. 2077
making a
difference Barry Taylor, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Richmond, and Sophia Berry, associate director of child care, North Richmond YMCA Community Center, accept a check from Mike Szymanczyk, Altria Group CEO, James Warren and Darren Thompson, representing the Altria Companies Employee Community Fund, for support of child care programs at YMCAs along the Route 1 corridor. The United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg awarded $244,058 to support preschool, after-school, and teen programs, benefitting more than 1,800 children. United Way also awarded the YMCA and Senior Connections $71,000 to develop a partnership program to improve the health of older adults who live in poverty. The Garland and Agnes Taylor Gray Foundation, a supporting organization of The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia, awarded $22,750 to strengthen after-school child care programs for 40 children who live along the Route 1 corridor. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund, a YMCA of the USA partner, awarded six competitive grants of $30,226 to support after-school care. Through another YMCA of the USA partnership, we received nine PepsiCo Healthy Living Grants totalling $22,500.
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