This past year has been one for the records. We have made some structural changes that are presenting our staff with opportunities to do things in new and creative ways with fewer resources. Folks at the Y understand that “creative” in fact means “with less resources”.
We continue to do great work for our communities and help children and families become better.
I am overwhelmed by the staff’s response to this year’s annual campaign. At present 99% of our full time staff gave to this year’s campaign. Together we contributed over $136,927 to assist the underserved in our communities. That’s not a misprint…the number is 99%.
Over 740 staff members have contributed their hard earned dollars to making our community better. We are proud of the work we do and prouder still of our staff for embracing our mission to serve others, to build up our communities and ultimately build a better us. At the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit our staff not only talks the talk when it comes to our mission…. they walk the walk too!
So you ask, where does the money go? Here’s a briefing on just one story here in Southeast Michigan, it comes from our Livonia branch.
Julie is the mother of 2 children, Jacob 10 and Lily 6. Jacob is emotionally impaired, and has oppositional defiant disorder and Lily is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Despite these challenges both children attended Day Camp at the YMCA thanks to financial assistance provided through Y donors and partnerships with U of M. Lily required one to one counselor support throughout the summer. U of M sent a team of nurses to train YMCA staff how to care for children with Type I diabetes. Through donations, the Y was able to provide the personalized staff support Lily required at no additional charge to the family. Julie shared these comments, “…I am very grateful! I wanted to thank you for the financial assistance to allow both of my children to attend camp this past summer.”
THAT’S WHERE THE MONEY GOES AND THAT’S WHY OUR STAFF REDEFINES AMAZING EVERY DAY.