TRIANGLE the
Your YMCA at work in the community
BUILDING COMMUNITY ACROSS BORDERS
This summer, two YMCA staff members had the opportunity to travel internationally and participate in life-changing experiences. Their stories show the importance of collaboration and partnerships and how they strengthen community, not only locally, but across the globe. Many people don’t know that the YMCA is an international movement, serving communities in 120 different countries.
winter 2015
“Going forward, I am excited to explore a potential coalition partnership with the YMCA of Nicaragua,” said Michael. “After seeing the great work that they do and the impact that they have, I feel that it could be a very mutually beneficial partnership where we are both positively impacted,” said Michael. Also this summer, Morgan Huber, Teen Director at the Monroe YMCA was one of seven delegates selected to represent the YMCA of the USA at the 2015 Roots for Reconciliation Profest held in Ureki, Georgia. Roots for Reconciliation is a YMCA Europe initiative striving for stronger youth activism towards peaceful transformation of conflicts in Europe. YMCA staff from all over the globe, including Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia, and the United States, talk together, laugh with one another, learn from each other, and build lasting friendships. The YMCA Ukraine camps serve refugee youth and are run entirely by volunteers. Camps bring entire families together in Russia, and programs teach English and basic life skills to youth in Armenia. The YMCA mission is helping communities and bringing healing around the world. “As an American removed from direct conflict, it is difficult to fathom what life must be like when you are living with a constant and nagging fear of destruction, death, and war in your own town,” said Morgan.
Michael Draper (center) with Nicaragua travel team.
In July Michael Draper, Senior Program Director at the Everett YMCA, traveled as part of a coalition with the YMCA of Greater Seattle, on a YMCA international exploration trip to Nicaragua.
“Even though I may never fully understand what that is like, I do understand just how healing, how powerful, and how important peace is. It is no longer simply a catch phrase or bumper sticker. It is a way of life, pivotal to sustaining life, and the YMCA is teaching people how to live it every day all around the world.”
His team consisted of eight teenagers from the greater Seattle area. They spent time in Nicaragua, traveling to the capital, Managua, as well as Boaco, Santa Lucia, and Leon. “It was inspirational to see how the Nicaragua Y engages volunteers and how those volunteers, which were mainly teenagers, are able to positively impact the communities that they live in,” said Michael. Areas of impact include women’s rights, social justice issues, gang violence, and food sustainability.
Morgan Huber, fourth from right in middle row, with Roots for Reconciliation travel team.
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 Campaign and United Way.
Mission Statement: To inspire, nurture, and strengthen culturally vibrant communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
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
Stanwood-Camano YMCA 9031 271st St. NW Stanwood, WA 98292 360 629 9622
Big Brothers Big Sisters 2722 Colby, Ste. 415 Everett, WA 98201 425 252 2227 The Triangle is published 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 mailing list, please call or email the editor. For more information on YMCA programs and services, visit www.ymca-snoco.org.
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Watch us on YouTube: youtube.com/ymcaofsnohomishco
President’s Perspective Dear Friends:
The Y is more than just a community organization. It is an international movement supporting 10,000 U.S. communities and more than 120 countries worldwide. The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together we work to ensure everyone—regardless of gender, income, faith, sexual orientation, or cultural background—has the opportunity to live life to its fullest. We share the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—everything we do stems from it. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive organization is foundational to developing and engaging everyone across the entire Y spectrum. Our volunteers, members, program participants, families, leaders, staff, donors, collaborators, and the community at large all contribute to our efforts to make positive, lasting personal and social change. The key to effectively nurturing the potential of every child and improving the nation’s health and well-being is ensuring our policies, practices, and procedures are equitable, rooted in our mission, and take into account the diverse array of all who are a part of our growing and changing community. Diversity and inclusion practices at the Y foster a high-performing learning environment where staff and volunteers are engaged, valued, and encouraged to collaborate, generate ideas, and contribute at the highest level. We are passionate about our cause and know our ability to achieve it begins with reflecting and partnering with all people and communities.
THE Y SAVED ME MY Y STORY
When Meghan agreed to care for 2-year-old Amelliah, who was living in an unstable home, she turned to the Y for support and help as she navigated her new single-parent environment. “Knowing Amelliah was in a safe, structured place, that I could call or email with any questions or concerns, and that the staff would help me with behavior problems and planning strategies for her was a relief,” says Meghan. With financial assistance, Meghan, Amelliah, and her brother Dorian, who is now also under Meghan’s care, are active Y members, often working out at the Y and attending family night programs, continually growing their support network with staff and fellow members. “The Y saved me,” says Meghan.
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Scott Washburn
ADAPTING & GROWING MY Y STORY
Alvin, who lives with high-functioning autism, plays on the YMCA Miracle League baseball team and participates in other adaptive programs. Knowing that a traditional baseball league wouldn’t meet his needs, his parents sought out a safe environment where Alvin would feel comfortable and wouldn’t be judged or teased. Alvin’s parents are grateful for the growth that Alvin experienced through the Y’s adaptive sports leagues. “I never thought that we would put him in a special needs program,” said his mother, Virginia. “But it turns out it was exactly what he needed. The programs truly allow him to develop and break out of his shell, make friends, and become comfortable.”
POSITIONING FOR SUCCESS
NATIONWIDE POSITIONING CAMPAIGN To engage the public, it is critical that we clearly communicate our cause and our impact as a charity. This means shifting perceptions about our organization as well as making our cause both relevant and urgent to potential donors. In 2016, YMCA of the USA will launch a national positioning and advertising campaign to generate more financial resources and public support for our cause. This effort aims to help those, who, with a deeper understanding of the Y, would be inspired to take action to donate, join, and volunteer. The new slogan, “For a better us.™” is designed to drive understanding and engagement and speak to the Y’s impact in our communities. The slogan and related materials will help shift perceptions of the Y from “just a gym” to a philanthropic organization worthy of support. National advertising is slated to launch at the end of January 2016 and run through 2018. The advertising is designed to connect potential donors to the Y on an emotional level through compelling video storytelling. The campaign will also use websites and social media to help establish the Y as a relevant part of the cultural conversation around strengthening community. Digital ads will help prove the Y’s real impact on youth development by connecting the outcomes of our work to real trends and issues. Locally, we have begun using the national creative and messaging in our recent marketing communications materials.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
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YMCA Night at the Silvertips Jan. 16 MLK Day of Service Jan. 18 Mill Creek YMCA Puddle Run Feb. 7 Prayer Breakfast Mar. 25 Healthy Kids Day Apr. 30 3
WATCH US GROW At the Y, strengthening the foundations of community is our cause. Over its century-long history, the YMCA of Snohomish County has changed lives and communities by providing programs and services where they are needed most. Capital development efforts allow the YMCA to expand its reach and multiply the impact of its programs and services. Expansions or renovations of existing facilities and/or the development of new facilities ensure the YMCA is ready to meet the ever-changing needs of our region. In an effort to support our two current capital projects: Everett and Stanwood, the YMCA recently launched a website to keep our community up to date. You can visit the site at ymca-snoco.org/watchusgrow. Here you will find facility renderings, construction progress, project photos, frequently asked questions, how to get involved, and more. We will continue to update this site as both projects evolve.
PROJECT UPDATE: STANWOOD-CAMANO
PROJECT UPDATE: EVERETT
Thanks to a warm, dry summer and early fall, construction is on schedule for the Stanwood-Camano YMCA.
In November, the YMCA of Snohomish County became the new owner of property located at 4730 Colby Avenue in Everett, closing on the purchase and sales agreement with Everett Public Schools.
All of the slabs are poured and walls are going up in the gym area, teen center, and multipurpose room, and the pools are taking shape. The Stanwood-Camano YMCA will soon enter the community phase of its capital campaign, identifying the final $2 million in investments to meet its $13.2 million fundraising goal. As part of the Community Capital Campaign, an anonymous donor will match donations of any size, up to a total of $500,000. To learn more contact: Mary Bredereck at mbredereck@ymca-snoco.org or Dawne Wentworth at dwentworth@ymca-snoco.org
This 8+ acre parcel will be the home of a new and expanded Everett Family YMCA. “The YMCA has always been committed to meeting community needs and has done so for more than 115 years,” said Danen Barnhart, Chair, Everett YMCA Board of Directors. “This new location provides the opportunity and flexibility for the YMCA to expand its programs to serve more people than ever before.” To learn more contact: Ted Wenta at twenta@ymca-snoco.org
Keep up-to-date on these projects at ymca-snoco.org/watchusgrow 4
LEARNING TOGETHER On Oct. 29, Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self visited the Mukilteo YMCA’s afterschool child care site at Columbia Elementary. Ortiz-Self is a member of the Washington House of Representatives, representing the 21st Legislative District. The site tour was coordinated by David Beard of School’s Out Washington. The program is expanding and improving the afterschool and youth development field by providing support and resources to the programs that work with youth.
Rep. Ortiz-Self asks YMCA youth what law they would create.
Representative Ortiz-Self was researching afterschool programs to prepare for a November meeting on the topic in Tennessee with legislators from all 50 states. “It becomes a community problem if parents can’t afford child care,” said Ortiz-Self. “If they pull kids out, then they’re at home alone, doing what?” Representative Ortiz-Self explained to YMCA youth what she does as a legislator and asked them if they could create a law, what would it be? The kids were very thoughtful and caring in their responses, some included:
“All people without houses should get a place to live.” “All families who don’t have enough food should be given food.” “If you cut down a tree, you need to plant five more.”
GROWING MEMBERSHIP The YMCA of Snohomish County recently hired Dan Powell as its new Vice President of Membership Development and Engagement. A 22-year YMCA professional, Dan has a demonstrated track record of leading and successfully increasing membership growth and satisfaction in large and mid-size YMCAs. He most recently worked for the Whatcom Family YMCA in Bellingham, WA, and prior to that YMCAs in Wisconsin and Iowa. In this new position, Dan is responsible for the planning, management, coordination, supervision, and administration of membership service, retention, acquisition, and sales for all five facility branches, with a sixth branch opening late summer 2016 serving the Stanwood-Camano community. “Dan is a seasoned time-tested leader in all aspects of membership development; from marketing to retention and from service recovery to continuous improvement,” said Ted Wenta, Senior Vice President Operations, YMCA of Snohomish County. “He will be a great asset to our organization. 5
OUR WORK IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF YOU! The YMCA of Snohomish County is grateful for the individuals, families, and businesses whose pledges to the Annual Campaign make our work with young people possible. During the 2015 Annual Campaign, 2,824 donors contributed $1,356,321 to support and strengthen our community. Limited space precludes listing the names of every donor. Donors listed here contribute $1,000 or more annually and are members of our Chair’s Round Table. GIVING LEVELS Community Builder ($10,000+) | Pacesetter ($5,000-9,999) | Advocate ($2,500-4,999) | Champion ($1,000-2,499) Association Board of Trustees Community Builder The Boeing Company Everett Daily Herald Premera Blue Cross Providence Regional Medical Center Everett Senior Aerospace - AMT Wells Fargo Bank Anonymous Pacesetter Phyllis & Jerry Brim Chandler Family The Everett Clinic Fluke Corporation KeyBank Leslie & Doug Lauer Kaye-Smith Everett Pepsi Precor Quality Business Systems Xerox RediClinic The Reinhard Family Richard & Paula Stetler Tulalip Resort Casino Scott & Cheryl Washburn Waste Management Advocate The Ackerman Family Anthony’s Seafood Grill Business Controls, Inc Cesco New Concept Products, Inc Coastal Community Bank Coastwide Laboratories, A Division of Staples Rick Cooper & Robin Hilton Doug & Peggy Burton
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Family Fund held at Community Foundation of Snohomish County Everett AquaSox The EverTrust Foundation Foss Maritime GLY Construction Tonia & Jerry Goodwin Bauer Evans CPAs Marketing Intelligence Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Company National Maintenance Contractors, LLC Pacific Copy and Printing Puget Sound Kidney Centers Scott & Krista Sadler Idamae Schack Whidbey Coffee Carol Whitehead Whole Foods Market Lynnwood Roy & Barbara Yates Champion American Eagle Roofing LLC Anderson Hunter Law Firm Virginia Antipolo-Utt & Chris Utt Aviation Partners Boeing Judy Collins Baker Brenda Baltrusch & Steve Sjoberg Phil & Scuttle Bannan Banner Bank BCRA Jerry & Sue Beavers Big Trees Inc. Tom Browne Bill & Amy Burton
Clark Nuber, PS Rick Cooley & Lindsay Butler Dr. Tom & Sue Cooper Susan & John Cournoyer Dr. Jack & Marilyn Courrier Tracy & Mark Cumming Bob & Lizbeth Dobler Doug & Robin Ferguson First Choice Health Network Scott & Gayle Forslund Fred Meyer Richard & Barrie Galanti Gamut360 Holdings, LLC General Aerospace, Inc. Greenview Landscaping H2 View LLC Norma Haines Harris Rebar / Central Steel Mark & Wendi Lee Johnson JR Abbott Construction Ken & Renae Kettler Kyle Kinoshita Bob & Kathy Leach Leavitt Group Northwest Liberty Northwest Insurance Andy & Leah Lubresky Mark & Paula Mantei Thomas & Mary Maxwell Troy & Nicole McClelland Mercer Jackie & Hugh Minor Northwest Bus Sales, Inc. Mike & Melissa Olejniczak Alliance Project Advisors Pemco Corporation Petra Chemicals
Paul & Charisse Pitre Puget Sound Energy Darren & Deanna Redick Bill & Marcella Reed Regence Blue Shield Abraham RodriguezHernandez Fred & Diane Safstrom Sky Northwest, Inc. Mary Smith Richard N. & Mayumi Smith Springer Investment, LLC Harry Stuchell Aggie & Chick Sweeney Stan & Sheila Tiemens Vine Street Investments Western Facilities Supply Don & Debbie Whitfield Jennifer & Kurt Willows Carl Zapora & Cheryl Foster Michael & Mary Zubovic Scott Zwink Anonymous Big Brothers Big Sisters Community Builder Comcast Pacesetter Fluke Corporation Keg Spirit Foundation Anonymous Advocate Mike & Julia Ellis Hasan Mateen Champion Scott & Renee Comey Mitch & Marianne DePriest The Everett Clinic
Dan & Ash Gunderson Matt Holttum WendiLee & Mark Johnson Leslie & Doug Lauer Terrence Nevins Rod & Denise Pleasant Puroclean Disaster Services Molly Ringo & Brad Wiens Pamela Shields John & Dana Tubbesing Renee & Tom Valenti Robyn VanEngen Windermere Foundation Everett Family Branch Community Builder The Howarth H. Trust Shelter Holdings, L.L.C. Anonymous Pacesetter Danen & Heather Barnhart Bill & Katie Finley Thomas & Meridith Little Advocate American Distributing Michael & Lisa Ankrom Todd & Catherine Havener C. Beverly Miller Ron & Karen Moore Timothy D. Newman Rubatino Refuse Removal, Inc. Kelly Shepherd Ray & Mary Sievers Andrea & Paul WellsEdwards Ted & Teresa Wenta Western Washington Medical Group Anonymous
Champion Chris & Megan Adams Alf Forde Enterprises, Inc. Becky Ballbach Bob & Paula Barta Dr. Jeff Boggs Darlene & Denny Brawford Ben & Jacqui Campbell Celebrate! Catering, Inc. Thomas & Jane Collins James Courrier, DDS Don & Paula Dillinger Gary Doughty Michael & Suzanne Draper Dwayne Lane’s Family of Auto Centers Everett Rotary Youth Foundation Mike & Maggie Faulkner Fund held at Community Foundation of Snohomish County First Western Properties, Inc. Brenda & Mark Fuglevand Tom & Sue Gaffney Elizabeth Gearou The Racqueteers Hatloe’s Carpet One Henry M. Jackson Foundation Hunter Leasing, Inc. David & Cynthia Jones Gary Kreitel Jeanne Lavell Dr. Stephen J. Lee Maddy Metzger-Utt & Randy Utt Michael Millie Moss Adams, LLP Gayle Munro Sean & Florence Pickard Roberto’s Catering Henry & Donna Robinett Tom & Bonnie Ronan Dr. Katherine Runyon & Carl Nelson Patty Shepherd Barnes TransWest Morrie Trautman Brooks & Carol Walton Dr. Clay & Hap Wertheimer Anonymous - 2 Marysville Family Branch Community Builder Tulalip Tribes Charitable Contributions Anonymous Pacesetter The Bredereck Family Dr. Anthony Roon &
Kathryn McPherson Roon Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians Advocate American Distributing Apollo Plumbing LLC C. Beverly Miller Chuck & Audrey Pilon Steel-Fab Loren & Kristen Van Loo Eilene & Glen Zachry Champion George & Hoa Appel Debbie Barger Smith & Stephen Smith Brown’s Plumbing Clear Image One Hour Photo Cuz Concrete Products, Inc. JJ & Patrice Frank Salish Spirit Canoe Family Gleneil Diversified Industries Margaret Grubbs Ronda Hardcastle Heritage Bank - Marysville Branch Brian & Kathy Kalab Sean & Rebecca King Kiwanis Club of Marysville Dr. Kim & Julie Kron Dwayne & RoseMary Lane Kurt & Sharilyn Lippmann & Family Toni Mathews Ross A. & Susan Miller Peter & Catrina Millikan Stephen & Donna Muller The Schmidt Family Soroptimists International of Marysville Glenna Miller Travers & Gerry Travers Wayne & Rachel Zachry Mill Creek Family Branch Anonymous Pacesetter Electroimpact, Inc. Advocate BLUCORA The Connell Family Crane Fund for Widows and Children The Lucas Family Andrew & Catherine Siguenza Champion Hans Aarhus Pirri Badenhop Douglas & Michele Braid Krista & Scott Burkart
Dolores Cole Expert Drywall, Inc Jon & Jen Friedrichsen Gael Thomson GLY Construction Angie Golds & Teresa Quitta Gore-Tex Running Footwear Randy & Crystal Harris Dana & Steven Hedricks The 12th Man Sherman O. Loges Northwest Sports Photography Sheila & Doug Peterson In Memory of Rod & Evelyn Preston Rotary Club of Everett-Port Gardner Dane & Leslie Schwetz Lu Shen SMACNA Western Washington Sheet Metal Industry Fund Kyla Smith Walgreens Robert Wells Sheila Wheelen Jessica Zylstra Anonymous Monroe/Sky Valley Family Branch Pacesetter On the Wall Rotary Club of Monroe Walmart Advocate Hans & Martha Dankers Donald Kim, D.D.S Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Priscilla & William High Hometown Values Magazine Monroe Digital Copy Center Janet Mulvanny-Realty One Group Preview Rhino Manufacturing Inc. The Johnson Family & Speedway Chevrolet Sam & Megan Wirsching Anonymous Champion Allstate Insurance Co. Sheila & Barrick Benson CLIX Portrait Studios Patsy & Eiron Cudaback Damar AeroSystems, a Division of Senior Operations, LLC Glacier Fish Company Jeff & Eileen Hambleton
Scott Harris Jean & Bill Higgins Family Trust Johansen Mechanical, Inc. Mark & Tammera Mason Molina Healthcare of Washington Monroe/Sky Valley Family Branch YMCA - Misc. Fundraisers Deb Nalty & Jeff Shober Dwight & Jackie Nelson Rosemary O’Neil & Grenville Legge Kim & Michael Overton Papa Murphy’s Pizza Rairdon’s Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep of Monroe SMACNA Western Washington Sheet Metal Industry Fund Sherry Weatherby Anonymous - 3 Mukilteo Family Branch Community Builder John & Ann Collier George R. Kendall Foundation John & Vicki Goodwin Pacesetter Anthony’s Seafood Grill – Alderwood Mall Advocate Martin Cross Mukilteo Family Branch Misc. Fundraisers Carrie Mygatt & John Herrera South Everett Mukilteo Rotary Club Dr. Tracy & Patricia Spencer Dan & Debbie Squires Matt van Winkle Whidbey Coffee AA Party Rentals-MLT Champion Cory & Brittany ArmstrongHoss Merrie & Farshid Babazadeh Dennis Block Amy & Rick Byrum Mark & Joanne Califano John Cramer & Suzanne Poppema Dr. Jacquiline De LeonEstes E.N.D. Group, Inc. Matt & Lynn Fleckenstein Herb & Robin Fox Fred Meyer Robert Gaskin
Thomas & Susan Gaskin Mark & Marla Gregory Hogland Transfer Company Carol & George Holser Cuts Griptape Helen Kendall & Bill Sanford Jean McKay Jeff Mitchell Harold & Julie Muschett Newtech Communications Ken & Joyce Pascoe Megan & Chris Reed Janelle P. Rucker Joan Sato-Hernandez & Marvin Hernandez Michael Scown Mike & Kathy Sierra Dr. Mark & Michelle Valentine Walters & Wolf Curtain Wall, LLC Stephanie Whipple Ali & Ric Williams Steve Wolf Brian & April Wolfe Anonymous Stanwood-Camano YMCA Pacesetter Leak Family The Metzger Family Stanwood Community Ministries Windermere Foundation Anonymous Advocate Charles & Donna Cole Charitable Foundation Steven Jones Champion Carl & Susan Blake Ray Brandstrom Glen & Martha Brechlin Joseph & Barbara Garnett GLY Construction AnnMarie & Charlie Hall Leonard Kelley Bill & Yong Kinnune Thomas A. Little George & Bonnie Llewellyn Pat Rimmer Les Schwab Tire Center Paul & Melanie Sobotta John White Dr. & Mrs. Paul V. Williams
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YMCA OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY 2720 Rockefeller Ave. P. O. Box 419 Everett, WA 98206-9923
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 134
We understand that military families are under enormous strain, and that military life comes with unique challenges. Deployments and frequent moves can be a stressful and uncertain time for our nation’s servicemen and women and their families. The Marysville Family YMCA provides military outreach programs, supporting our local military families. Below are some recent impact highlights this program has on our community. Y on Wheels had 700 visits from youth during this summer program, an increase of almost 200 from last year. This translates to an average of 50-60 children twice a week at the military housing development in Lake Stevens, as well as 20-25 kids twice a week at the housing development in Lakewood. Y on Wheels takes crafts, games, and activities out to our military kids allowing parents to drop their children off for two hours in order to enjoy some personal time. Military Kid’s Night Out – 20 kids visited the Marysville Y for four hours of fun! Check the website calendar for future dates. The Y hosted a Military Family Appreciation Dinner on Nov. 21. The event featured dinner, swimming, games, and activities for the whole family to play together. The night ended with door prizes donated by many local vendors. Please contact Allison Hoot at 360 651 1607 if you have questions regarding these military family programs or visit us at ymca-snoco.org/marysville for more information.
MY Y STORY 8
Has the YMCA had a positive impact on your life? Would you like to share your story to inspire others? We’d love to hear from you. Email info@ymca-snoco.org.