STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY MILL CREEK FAMILY YMCA
REPORT ON COMMUNITY IMPACT IN 2018
MY Y STORY: ADAM FAMILY & CONNECTION AT THE Y Everyone knows Adam Hammon at the Mill Creek YMCA and the Y’s Heatherwood Early Childhood Center. The adorable two-and-a-half year old attends swim lessons and date nights, but it’s Heatherwood that’s made the greatest impact on Adam and his family. Lora Hammon shares that, at Heatherwood, Adam gets “…a lot of stimulation and hands-on involvement. There are different centers, programs, circle time, music, PE, and sensory activities.” This is especially important to Lora, because she’s not just Adam’s grandmother. Adam’s mother passed away unexpectedly when Adam was one year old, leaving Lora and Steve with a tough choice to make: give Adam up for adoption, or raise him as their own child after already raising two grown kids. They chose to serve as his foster parents for nearly a year, and then formally adopted Adam on July 11, 2018. Lora initially lacked confidence in raising a child all over again, but YMCA staff built her up. “Regina told me, ‘You’re doing a great job. I can tell because of how Adam is doing. Look at how far he’s come!’” Adam experiences sensory processing issues and speech delays, and the Heatherwood team works with Lora and Steve to coordinate the therapists who visit Adam during his preschool day.
IN THIS ISSUE: • MY Y STORY: ADAM • FROM THE Y’S LEADERSHIP • CALL FOR SUPPORT • ANNUAL CAMPAIGN & AUCTION • FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE • BOARD OF DIRECTORS • MY Y STORY: KARI
Lora, Adam, and Steve Hammon
After the adoption, the Hammons faced another challenge: paying for Adam’s child care. When they were foster parents, Lora and Steve received monthly stipends as well as state assistance for Adam to attend Heatherwood. Now that they were officially Adam’s parents, all assistance stopped. That’s when they asked the YMCA for help. With funds raised from the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, the Y immediately filled in the gap by providing financial assistance, so that Adam could continue attending Heatherwood. This was essential to Lora, who loves the connections she’s made and believes that, “Because he’s here, he’s thriving.” Lora now serves on Heatherwood’s Parent Advisory Committee, and is grateful beyond words. “It all starts here, this larger community,” said Lora. “Because of the Y, we’re able to get Adam’s needs met while meeting other parents. The Y has supported us through the whole process.” For more information on the Heatherwood Early Childhood Center, please contact Heatherwood Director Sarah Lusier at slusier@ymca-snoco.org or 425 379 9400 or visit ymca-snoco.org.
MILL CREEK FAMILY YMCA
FROM THE Y’S LEADERSHIP Dear YMCA Supporter: In the 21st century the greater Mill Creek community has grown tremendously, and new housing is continually being developed as growth pushes north and east. From 2000 to 2016, the 98208 zip code alone grew by more than 25%, and with this growth comes more diversity in all forms. As a community, we have a responsibility to proactively engage our new neighbors, and work to connect with families from all different backgrounds. Since opening in 1989 and expanding in 1996 and 2010, the Mill Creek YMCA has served as a thriving community hub, one of the only places where people from all backgrounds and economic circumstances come together to engage in healthy, fun activities. In an increasingly isolated world, the Y is that third place – besides home and work or school – for more than 23,600 individuals in 2018.
Mill Creek YMCA Barracudas at 2018 Swim Meet
We hope to serve as your third place in 2019 and beyond. Please consider this an invitation to discover all the Y has to offer. See you at the Y,
The Mill Creek YMCA Report is published by the YMCA of Snohomish County to update community members about the branch’s programs, news, and events. If you no longer wish to receive this mailing, please contact Zac Jagow at 425 337 0123 or zjagow@ymca-snoco. org. For more information on YMCA programs and services, visit www.ymca-snoco.org.
Craig Connell Chair Board of Directors
2018: BY THE NUMBERS
14
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Cancer Survivor participants built supportive relationships.
50
Participants in our Youth & Government programs learned about and practiced civic engagement.
OUR MISSION: To inspire, nurture, and strengthen culturally vibrant communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Cory Armstrong-Hoss Executive Director Mill Creek Family YMCA
21 58
ACCESS FOR ALL: The Y offers affordable membership and program pricing based on income to individuals and families to ensure equitable access. No join fee, no documentation, no waiting, and no barriers. Anyone is eligible to apply for Y Access For All.
224
Volunteers contributed a total of 5,170 hours this year.
860K
Pedaling For Parkinson’s participants lessened their symptoms and formed positive relationships. Total children learned swimming skills at outreach swim lessons at Heatherwood Apartments. Dollars subsidizing youth, teen, and family programs at the Mill Creek YMCA and throughout the community.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: YOUR DONATIONS WORKING TO SUPPORT KIDS & FAMILIES
2018 Mill Creek YMCA Youth & Government Delegation
Did you know? The Mill Creek Family YMCA served 23,628 children, teens, and adults in 2018.
OUR MISSION: SUPPORTING COMMUNITY In 2018 our YMCA provided more than $435,000 in direct financial assistance, of which over $200,000 came from our Annual Campaign. These dollars give opportunities to kids, teens, and adults to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. To expand and serve even more members of our community in 2019, our fundraising goal is $214,568. To learn about how you can help during our Annual Campaign, contact Senior Program Director Eleanor Peavey at 425 357 3027 or epeavey@ymca-snoco.org. Save The Date: Join us for our Third Annual Benefit Auction on February 16. Tickets are available now at bit.ly/MillCreekAuction2019.
CALL FOR SUPPORT We need your help! The Y depends on more than 220 volunteers each year to coach youth sports, put on community events, act as role models to youth, and serve our Active Older Adult members. To get involved and give back through the Y, contact Volunteer Coordinator Therese Huri at 425 344 2028 or thuri@ymca-snoco.org
YMCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Craig Connell, Chair/Treasurer Jon Friedrichsen, Vice-Chair Maria Coghill, Vice-Chair Linda Patten, Secretary Andy Siguenza, Past Chair Kyler Barnes Sharon Burlison Christopher Cunio Kirsten Fischler David Fisher Shawnti Johnson Christine Ngo Bryan O’Donnell Tony Pasinetti Chris Robinson Your YMCA is looking for dedicated volunteers to serve on our Board of Directors. YMCA Board Members serve three year terms, and meet monthly on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 7-8:30 am. If you’re interested, please contact Executive Director Cory ArmstrongHoss at 425 357 3031 or carmstronghoss@ymca-snoco.org.
HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPACT OF THE MILL CREEK Y YMCA OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY Mill Creek Family YMCA 3723 Puget Park Drive Everett, WA 98208
MY Y STORY: KARI A PLACE TO BELONG Each Monday Kari Hoopingarner picks up her six year old granddaughter from school and spends the afternoon with her. Kari is busy, and she fits this bonding time in along with boxing, bridge, tai chi and her Mahjong and Pedaling for Parkinson’s (PFP) groups at the Mill Creek Family YMCA. Kari had recently moved to Washington from California when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015, and had just started coming to the Mill Creek YMCA with her husband. She soon joined Pedaling for Parkinson’s, and has now been active for more than three years. When asked about her journey, Kari shared, “I can tell you the best news of all. I have no change, no progression in my symptoms, from three years ago. My doctor says, ‘Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.’” Supported by the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, Kari’s PFP group meets three times a week, with a Wednesday meeting after the cycling class. Someone brings food, and they talk about doctors, medications, symptoms, and life events, big or small. They’ve gone to hockey games, happy hours, curling, and holiday parties. “Since 2015 the Y has been constant support. It’s really nice to talk to people who really get it.” For more information about Pedaling For Parkinson’s, please contact Health & Well-Being Director, Brook Mitchell at bmitchell@ymca-snoco.org or 425 357 3033.
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