TRIANGLE the
Your YMCA at work in the community
winter 2012
WE’RE MOBILE FOR YOU
We know you’re using your mobile phone more and more everyday. Now get YMCA info when you want it, where you want it…on the go! The new YMCA of Snohomish County Mobile App was developed to function as a mobile-optimized website, providing our members with easy, mobile-friendly access to the information that is most frequently accessed from the website. Now you can easily search exercise classes, get facility status, access information on programs and events, and get push notifications in the case of emergencies. The mobile application is now available for download in both the Android Marketplace and Apple’s App Store (for iPhone only).
FEATURES
• Search Exercise Classes • Programs & Events Updates • Get Facility Status (Closings) • Get Push Notifications For more information on this, and other ways to connect to the Y, please visit ymca-snoco.org/connect.
In this Issue: • President’s Perspective • Online Registration • ActivTrax • Invest in Youth • YMCA Adaptive Programs • Minority Achievers Program • Beyond School Walls
Download iPhone App
Download Droid App
• Assets in Action • Donor Profile • Updates & Events
Financial Assistance:
The YMCA of Snohomish County makes every effort to ensure that no person, especially youth, will be denied access to programs and membership because of financial hardship. The YMCA's Financial Assistance Program is supported by contributions to our annual Invest In Youth campaign and United Way.
Mission Statement:
The YMCA of Snohomish County is composed of people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and religious affiliations united in sharing the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility through programs that build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
Everett Family Branch 2720 Rockefeller Ave. Everett, WA 98201 425 258 9211
Marysville Family Branch 6420 60th Drive NE Marysville, WA 98270 360 653 9622
Mill Creek Family Branch 13723 Puget Park Drive Everett, WA 98208 425 337 0123
Monroe Family Branch 14033 Fryelands Blvd. Monroe, WA 98272 360 805 1879
Mukilteo Family Branch 10601 47th Place West Mukilteo, WA 98275 425 493 9622
Big Brothers Big Sisters 1420 Hewitt Avenue Everett, WA 98201 425 252 2227
The Triangle is published quarterly by the YMCA of Snohomish County to update friends and donors about YMCA news and events. Colleen Temple, editor, 425 374 5738 or ctemple@ymca-snoco.org If you wish to be removed from the maiing list, please call or email the editor. For more information on YMCA programs and services, visit www.ymca-snoco.org Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/ymcasnoco Watch us on YouTube: youtube.com/ymcaofsnohomishco
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President’s Perspective
Scott Washburn
A new year means a fresh beginning. Many are not sad to see 2011 come to a close. It was another tough year for our local economy, with continued concerns about jobs and housing. On the bright side however, this community continues to step up to the challenge by supporting many worthy organizations that are providing critical services to make a positive difference in the lives of children and adults who have been the most significantly impacted. “…we continue to Thanks to the work of thousands of volunteers and a dedicated staff team, the Y continues to be one of change lives and build those difference makers. And 2011 was another year stronger communities of growth for the Y. each and every day.” Particularly noteworthy was the increase in service to the Mill Creek community, where more than 9,000 individuals have now joined the Y as members of the newly expanded facility. This is nearly a fourfold increase in the past three years. The new indoor pool provides a venue for hundreds of children to learn swimming and safety skills each month, and is also home to a new swim team. The Marysville and Mukilteo YMCAs both opened new Youth Development Centers in the fall. These centers are new resources to support youth and teens with a variety of programs and services including our Minority Achievers Program (MAP). With those new facilities and the addition of new teen programs in the Edmonds School District, the MAP program now serves more than 600 youth at 13 different locations. The Monroe/Sky Valley branch continues to expand programs for special needs populations and now offers a full spectrum of activities including bowling, basketball, swimming, and baseball. They are also in the early stages of a community collaboration to improve school readiness for pre-kindergartners. Finally, some of the most exciting developments are occurring in north county where the Y has opened an office and is actively working on a vision to bring Y programs and services to Stanwood and Camano Island. So while the Y has faced the same financial challenges as many businesses in Snohomish County, we continue to change lives and build stronger communities each and every day. Thanks for your continued support of the YMCA of Snohomish County!
ONLINE REGISTRATION NEW AND IMPROVED After a long wait, our upgraded online registration system is officially up and running. Those who tested the program noted how easy it is to search for programs and find exactly what they were looking for. In addition to registering for programs, you can use this system to view your account history, print child care tax statements, create a family activity calendar, and more! Please note that a small number of logins to the online registration system had to be deleted during the upgrade. If your old login does not work, please simply create a new account to access online registration. There is no further action needed. While the conversion process took longer than we expected, we hope you enjoy the new system and find it worth the wait. Please call your local Y branch with any questions. Thank you again for your patience, and welcome back to online registration!
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TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y
CHANGING LIVES ONE MEMBER AT A TIME DISCOVER THE POWER OF ACTIVTRAX Our new ActivTrax fitness tool is now available at all five YMCA of Snohomish County family branches. Included in your membership, ActivTrax is an online fitness and nutrition coach that creates customized workouts around your goals, strength, and fitness experience. The technology offers customized exercise and nutritional guidance based on your personal goals and needs, and the equipment inventory at each branch.
Contact Member Services today to set up your ActivTrax wellness orientation.
2012 Invest in Youth Campaign
WE ALL NEED THE Y
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What is missing? The “Y” of course. In one way or another, we’re all connected to the Y— whether it’s where you discovered a talent that became a lifelong passion, were encouraged by a mentor, or where you turn for support with a healthy lifestyle. Our unique combination of services enriches the well-being of people of all ages and walks of life. There’s no place quite like the YMCA. We’re a vital part of Snohomish County; a welcoming place to learn new skills, connect with others, and access support in times of need. As a nonprofit organization, we never turn away anyone who needs us. We count on the generosity of our members and community to help people of all ages and from all walks of life be more healthy, confident, connected, and secure. Through the Invest in Youth campaign the Y is able to provide programs and activities that have a positive and healthy impact on our youth.
With a combined goal of $1,170,500 our Board of Trustees, five YMCA facility branches, and our Big Brothers Big Sisters branch are excited about the opportunity to provide Y activities to thousands of people in our communities — giving our children the opportunity to become confident kids today and healthier, happier grown-ups tomorrow. During 2011, the YMCA provided approximately $1,625,781 in direct financial assistance to more than 10,358 individuals. In addition, $3,259,767 was provided in youth program subsidies, ensuring the presence of caring adults to nurture the potential of 41,500 children and teens across Snohomish County. Invest in Youth branch campaigns will launch in February and conclude on March 22 with a combined victory celebration. Contact your local YMCA family branch for more information or to get involved. Help us strengthen the foundation of our community.
Donate online today at ymca-snoco.org/donate.
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TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y
EVERYONE PLAYS Special Needs Adaptive Programs
Instructor Lisa McCadam works with Kerri Gould and daughter Jayda during swim time Nicholas is seven years old and loves to play in the water. Jayda, also seven, feels a freedom she can’t experience when on land. And Nathan, age 11, says his favorite thing is “just swimming.” The Monroe/Sky Valley Family YMCA offers many Special Needs Adaptive Programs designed for individuals of all ages with special needs. The term “special needs” refers to a wide range of developmental disabilities and conditions that can impact a person’s ability to move, communicate, learn, or care for themselves independently. These may include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy, autism, Down Syndrome, seizers, hearing loss, blindness, learning disorders and other developmental delays. Recognizing the need for quality adaptive programming for individuals in the Snohomish County area, the Adaptive Programs help individuals gain confidence, promote independence and responsibility, socialize and work with others, as well as nurture a healthy and active lifestyle. All programs are lead by qualified, trained individuals who help promote a safe, friendly, and supportive environment. During the swim class, the parent is in the pool with the child. They are joined by a swim instructor and an occupational therapist that rotates throughout the class. The class is limited to four students to ensure quality, focused time with each child.
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Though Nicholas understands things, he has some speech issues and doesn’t communicate well. His parents were looking for a class that was more focused and smaller in size. Nathan suffered a stroke at birth and doesn’t use the right side of his body. This is his second adaptive swim session, and he glides through the water like a fish. For him the class provides more one-on-one time than a regular swim lesson class. The therapist can also work with him to use the muscles on the right side of his body. Jayda experienced a brain injury when she was eight months old and now, due to seizures and delays, is fully dependent on a wheelchair. Her face lights up as she floats around the pool. Her mom Kerri said it is here where she is free. Kerri carefully moves Jayda’s legs and arms working those muscles that don’t get worked while strapped into her wheelchair. “When it comes to ‘all things special,’ most activities are outrageously expensive,” Kerri said. “I’m grateful for the Y. This is fantastic. It’s something we can afford and enjoy.” Other adaptive programs include bowling, basketball, and aquatics playtime. The Monroe YMCA also collaborates with the Monroe Rotary to offer Miracle League Baseball. For more information on the Monroe YMCA’s Adaptive Programs, please visit ymca-snoco.org/adaptive or contact Jody Rose at jrose@ymca-snoco.org.
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TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y
LIVE THE DREAM “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“All dreams can come true.” “Be free to do something you love.” “Make love happen.” “Help others in need and do your best, even when no one is looking.” These are quotes from middle school students at Olympic View Middle School in Mukilteo. On Jan. 13, 2012, the school held its “Live the Dream” assembly to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students shared essays, poems, and quotes on what living the dream means to them. JJ Frank, director of the YMCA Minority Achievers Program, was a guest speaker and shared what Dr. King’s message means to him. JJ has dedicated his life to motivating and supporting students. When he speaks, they listen. He encouraged the kids to stay in school and get their education. To thwart off bad choices. To chart out their future. JJ told the kids, “You are somebody who can make a difference—in your home, in your school, in your community, in our country.” He wanted each and every student in that room to know they are important. He lead the kids in a chant: YOU ARE SOMEBODY! The Minority Achievers Program helps students navigate through these confusing times-to learn about their options, visit schools, and research scholarship opportunities. Faith Dawson is now a senior at Mariner High School and an Olympic View Middle School alumni. A MAP participant, Faith is a winner of this year’s Prodigies of Peace essay contest. She was also a guest speaker during the assembly and spoke about how her community does a lot for her, “And now it’s my time to put in work for my community.”
Vivian Bonsu, Faith Dawson, JJ Frank
Faith said she was looking for a club to join that provided a community service element. “I found this in MAP. In addition I’ve attended field trips and college visits. It’s opened up a lot of opportunity for me.” Faith and her friend, Vivian Bonsu, also in MAP, were two of hundreds of teens volunteering on Saturday, Jan. 28 as part of the MLK Day of Service or with Volunteers of America. Instead of sleeping in and enjoying the weekend, these teens made a commitment to give back to their community. What better way to live the dream. 5
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TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y
BEYOND SCHOOL WALLS Twenty-six fourth and fifth graders received red carpet treatment on Dec. 9, thanks to Comcast. This was the day that the kids or “Littles” from Big Big Sara Gallagher and her Little, Patrick Brothers Big Sisters were bused from Woodside Elementary School to meet their new mentors or Dr. Betty Cobbs, Principal, Woodside Elementary School. “Bigs” for the first time. Part of its national partnership with Comcast, “Beyond School The event was part of Beyond School Walls sponsored by Walls” is a Big Brothers Big Sisters program that engages Comcast. Twenty-six Comcast employees have volunteered to businesses and schools and promotes mentoring mentor the Littles and will meet with them twice relationship. The program is the only one of its kind “I want to be part of a month at the Comcast facility. in Washington state. When the bus pulled up to the Comcast regional something bigger. I have life experiences To date, the national partnership has exceeded headquarters and call center in Lynnwood, the million in support and includes donated airtime sun was shining and the red carpet was rolled that are transferable.” $30 for local and national public service announcements; out to meet them. As the students departed the local and national board member support; training for staff bus wearing “I AM THE FUTURE” T-shirts, they were met with leaders, and sponsorship of Beyond School Walls workplace the paparazzi snapping photos and Comcast employees asking mentoring program in 12 cities across the country. for autographs. A TV news crew was also on hand. When they entered the building the Bigs were holding signs with When asked why he got involved, Comcast employee Mike Armitage said, “I want to be part of something bigger. I have the Little’s names on them so that the Little could easily be life experiences that are transferable.” Jacob, his Little, put it matched with their new mentor. Once matched the pair got an quite succinctly with, “It’s cool!” official photo taken and then headed to the lunch line to pick out a boxed lunch and special cupcake. Sara Gallagher and her Little, Patrick, who are both Vietnamese, were trading food likes and dislikes during lunch and comparing The group gathered in a conference room where they were stories about Pho. It was obvious that there was an instant welcomed by Len Rozek, Senior Vice President, Comcast connection. Washington; April Wolfe, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County; Ray Stephanson, Mayor, City The excitement in the faces of both the Bigs and the Littles of Everett; Aaron Reardon, Snohomish County Executive, and said it all.
Assets in Action
MOTIVATING YOUR KIDS TO DO THEIR BEST
“Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston Churchill You want your kids to do their best. But what is their best? How do you know if your kids are living up to their full potential? Consider these ideas.
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For all parents •
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Notice how much your child is self-motivated. Some kids seem to know what they want and go after it. Others seem to dillydally a lot. Every child has a different amount of self-motivation. Kids are motivated to do their best when they enjoy what they’re doing-and whom they’re with. Teachers change. Circumstances change. A lot affects a child’s motivation. Pay attention to what increases your child’s motivation—and what squelches it. Find out what your kids love to do. They’re more likely to be motivated to do things they truly enjoy. Keep introducing them to new activities so that they can discover new things that excite them. (continued to page 7)
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TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y
LEAVING A LEGACY DONOR PROFILE
important. “I also believe that anything you are involved in you should support financially,” Roy said. Roy joined the board in 1969 Roy Yates has fond childhood memories and over the years has served of the YMCA. When he was in fourth as president of the board on grade he would pack a lunch and take two different occasions. “When the Number 7 Sunset Hill bus from Ballard I became a board member and to the Downtown Seattle YMCA. While officer I saw the comprehensive there he would swim, watch movies, and value of the Y to our community. participate in a host of other activities. Roy and Barbara Yates I originally joined the Y to meet As a junior and senior in high school Roy personal objectives, but stayed was involved in the High Y program at Ballard High School. involved because I saw the Y from a family and community While there he met a guy by the name of Connie Jacobson, perspective.” the High Y volunteer coordinator. “I was president and Connie Individuals such as Bob Smith, Dan Duryee, Harry Stuchell, Steve was the program coordinator. Our paths crossed again at the Saunders, and Senator Henry (Scoop) Jackson had tremendous University of Washington through our fraternity.” influence on Roy as a volunteer. “The YMCA was the foundation Roy’s Everett Y involvement began as a member in 1968 using of our community and always had been,” he said. “I believed we the workout facilities and playing basketball. In those days he could have a greater impact in the future. I wanted to be a part worked for Seattle First National Bank. “As a result of joining of that and advance the Y’s impact.” the Y I met lifelong friends like Ray Sievers and Bill Rucker,” Roy saId. “The Y had a basketball team for many years. A group Roy and Barb decided to make a planned gift in conjunction with formation of the Heritage Club. “I believed, along with of us played on that team. Everett Conley, physical director at our board, that we should leverage the Y’s past and current the Everett YMCA, organized the team and as a result we success to ensure the future impact and relevance of the Y in became good friends.” our community,” Roy said. “It is important to me, that long after The Y has programs for all phases of life. For Roy, as a young we are gone, that the Y continues to have a lasting impact on boy he learned to swim and enjoyed hanging out with friends. As our community.” a teenager he became involved in clubs that provided leadership opportunities. And as an adult he worked out, played basketball, Roy Yates has been a volunteer for the YMCA of Snohomish County since 1969. He and his wife Barbara have been donors and developed life-long friends. All of this ultimately led to his during his entire tenure as a volunteer. Roy is an Emeritus relationship as a volunteer and donor. member of the Board of Trustees and actively serves on two Roy and Barb have been giving to the Y since the 1960s. They YMCA committees. Roy and Barbara joined the Heritage Club do so because they feel the value of the Y to the community is upon its inception in 1993.
Assets in Action (continued from page 6) For parents with children ages birth to 5
For parents with children ages 10-15
• Notice the new interests that get your kids excited. Sometimes Create a structured day that includes reading aloud picture it’s giggling about the opposite sex, reading comic books, books, playing outside, doing art, nap time, snack time, making or fashion. Kids at this age are highly aware of which social music, and playing with stimulating, age-appropriate toys. groups they fit into and don’t fit into, and so many are Notice which activities excite your young child and build on motivated to look—and act—a certain way. those. • Many kids become motivated by how they feel during this age. • Motivate your child’s curiosity by not pushing or forcing your Model and talk about how important it is to do certain activities child to learn. Eliminate the flash cards and memorization (such as completing homework and helping out with chores) activities. Instead, focus on the things that fascinate your no matter how you feel. child, such as befriending ants outside or having tea parties For parents with children ages 16-18 for stuffed animals. • Keep tabs on how competition is affecting your teenager’s For parents with children ages 6-9 motivation. For some teenagers, competition motivates them • Closely monitor your child’s activity and motivation levels at more. For others, competition paralyzes them. Give suggestions the start of school years. Starting school can be physically on how to handle competition well. exhausting for young children. Make sure they get the rest • Talk with your teenager about how to balance highly they need in order to do well at school. motivational activities with ones that are important but less • Young children are still highly relational. They tend to be interesting to do. Explain how adults constantly find ways to motivated to do well when they adore the adults they’re with. take responsibility yet also follow their interests and passions. Connect them with trusted, competent adults who care Excerpt taken from Search Institute MVParents and its positive approach to parenting. about them. •
www.search-institute.org or www.MVParents.com
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YMCA of Snohomish County 2720 Rockefeller Ave. P. O. Box 419 Everett, WA 98206-9923
ESSENTIAL PROGRAMS HELP EASE THE BURDEN
The YMCA of Snohomish County and the Marysville Family branch would like to thank and acknowledge the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) for its continued financial support. In 2011, the ASYMCA provided $26,000 in funding to support programs offered to military families through the Marysville Y. These programs include: Child Care, Enrichment Camp, Y on Wheels, and Military Family Nights. These essential programs help ease the burden of military families dealing with the deployment of one or both parents. For more information regarding ASYMCA programs, contact Mary Bredereck, mbredereck@ymca-snoco.org or 360 651 1602.
UPCOMING EVENTS Invest in Youth Victory Prayer Breakfast Healthy Kids Day BBBS Bowl for Kids’ Sake 8
March 22 April 6 April 28 May 5 & 6
FUN, SUN & FRIENDS The chill of winter is still upon us, however staff at the YMCA are already busy planning for another exciting summer camp season. Exposing young people to new environments, learning experiences, and other kids builds character, independence, and leadership. Watch your mail early spring for the YMCA 2012 Summer Camp Catalog or visit ymca-snoco.org/camp.
CONNECT WITH US
Stay connected with your Y! Each branch of the YMCA has its own Facebook page and monthly electronic newsletter. Join the conversation at your branch by visiting ymca-snoco.org/connect or by scanning the QR code.