January 2021 Member Updates

Health and Wellness

Finally, it is 2021 and the YMCA is open, safe, clean, and fun!

Since we were permitted to reopen, in September 2020, over 6,000 members are actively and safely using their membership. We slashed membership dues to historically low rates and they will not be raised this year. Y Members can:

1. Utilize industry-standard exercise equipment at any one of our 7 YMCAs
   • Equipment is spaced out for safe use by members
   • Cleaning stations are easily accessible throughout our YMCA allowing members to clean equipment before and after each use
   • Fresh air is circulated throughout our buildings
   • Facial coverings are required
   • Social distancing is required 6ft or more 
   • Services are reopening in phases to keep members safe
   • Consistent cleaning throughout the day multiple times per hour and daily sanitizing using Clorox 360
   • Learn more about our safety protocols in our welcome back video here and in our Pandemic Response Plan
2. Members may reserve pool time for lap swim and or family swim time
3. Members may reserve family gym time
4. Members may use locker rooms for changing and storing personal items during their exercise times
5. Pass the word; encourage a friend to join. Our January promotion includes:
   • 50% first-month dues and no joiner fees January 10-16. The discounts become 25%  off the first month January 17-23.
   • Also, families who earn less than $50,000 annually may join Y For All to receive a lower membership rate. We are also enrolling members of Silver Sneakers, Silver and Fit, Renew Active and Peer Fit Move at no cost to the member.
6. Members may access our online virtual YMCA.  See YMCA instructors live or watch pre-recorded sessions.

Virtual YMCA

Wherever you go, the Y is here

Your Y membership now includes a wealth of virtual options at no additional cost, like participating live with your favorite instructors or trying an On-Demand workout when the time is right for you. Get started using your virtual Y today.

Use the Virtual Y on your YMCA App

Download the YMCA App today. Log your workouts, enter challenges and win cool Y prizes. You can also access the virtual Y using the app.

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Youth Development

Child Watch Coming Soon

We are truly excited to announce that Child Watch will be opening at all seven (7) of our YMCAs no later than February 28, 2020, as long as it is permissible with the State of Michigan Health Department. Child Watch is a free service for all YMCA members. 

Child Watch provides a safe place for children to learn and play while their parent/guardian exercises at the YMCA. We comply with all CDC and Michigan health department guidelines to keep people safe in our facilities. Child Watch hours of operation will vary by branch and children may remain in Child Watch for a maximum of two (2) hours.

Free preschool is available for 4-year-olds

Free preschool is available for 4-year-olds from low, moderate, and high-income families at the Boll Family YMCA located in downtown Detroit. Michigan residency is the only residency requirement. It does not matter if the child has not previously attended school. The child must be potty trained and at least 4 years old by last December 1, 2020. Lastly, the parent’s household income must not exceed $104,000. This is a great way to ensure your 4-year-old enters school ready to learn.  Learn if you qualify here.

Child Care at the Y

Our Child Care centers located at our Farmington YMCA and our Boll YMCA are enrolling children today ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Our centers comply with all CDC and state health department guidelines to keep children and families safe. You can learn more about our safety protocols in our welcome back video here or in our Pandemic Response Plan.

Y Arts Media Club for youth ages 13 to 18

Looking for some creative fun for your teen? Please, encourage them to join the Y Arts media Club. Youth will learn to create television, radio, and online content from local media arts professionals in a virtual environment. Hurry, the next class is January 13, 2021, the subject is Album Cover Design. Learn more about all our upcoming classes from January 13 – March 24 here and register today.

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Social Responsibility

Stand for Something: a panel discussion in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy

Social Responsibility is one of three core focus areas for YMCAs in the United States of America. How we realize this aim varies by each community served by YMCAs throughout the US. Before the pandemic your YMCA developed a Diversity, Inclusion, and Global (DEIG) committee to help our YMCA support social justice.  One of their first activities for 2021 was to host a panel discussion to encourage YMCA members and staff to engage in community service in honor of the King legacy. Since the initial planning of this event, the United States Capitol Building was attacked and five people lost their lives.  Legislators elected by their communities were terrorized and the confirmation of the 2020 presidential election was temporarily halted but not stopped. Having this conversation is now even more important. Promoting nonviolent civil problem solving to help preserve US democracy is truly an act of social responsibility.  

We invite you to our inaugural MLK Jr. day panel discussion: “Stand for Something” on Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 18, 2021, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm to experience a meaningful dialogue with some incredible Metropolitan Detroiters:

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Together we can make every day better when we Stand for Something.

You can also learn more about the YMCA as a national cause from Kevin Washington, CEO of the YMCA of the USA here.

Last year, your YMCA of Metropolitan worked hard to support our community in navigating the pandemic in 2020. Next month, we look forward to sharing with you our 2020 Community Impact Report. Highlights: we served over 200,000 meals and provided learning opportunities to over 7000 children in metropolitan Detroit. Please like and follow us on Facebook.