#GivingTuesdayNow

Here For The Community, Here For You!

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 to encourage people to good in their communities. It is now global nonprofit that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Help Giving Tuesday to grow to inspire year-round radical generosity.

WHO WE ARE

The Y is a cause-driven organization that focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA is called to lead in times of crisis. Right now your support is vital as we navigate together an ever-changing landscape with the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be equally important as we re-open our facilities to serve those who need our help the most.

For over 165 years, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has never lost sight of the needs of others. Whether that means teaching kids the skills to remain safe around water, helping cancer survivors regain health and build community or preparing teens for success in college, the YMCA has been there.

Now, the YMCA is tackling the demands faced by our friends and neighbors during the pandemic. In this time of uncertainty, the Indianapolis Y is steadfast, rising to the challenge in many ways. Your gift will allow the YMCA to deliver the same care we have for years.

WHY WE EXIST

The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis was founded by community leaders in 1854. Since that time, our Y has remained dedicated to ensuring that all people have the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure.

The Y is for everyone. Our programs, services and initiatives empower people to be healthier in spirit, mind and body. We enable kids to realize their potential; prepare teens for college; offer ways for families to have fun together; prepare people for employment; welcome and embrace newcomers and help foster a nationwide service ethic.

OUR YMCA IS A PROVEN CHANGE AGENT

The Y has a proven track record of successfully impacting communities around the world. Indianapolis is no different. Here is a list of  ways the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has built donor trust:

• The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis piloted the now nationally recognized YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program (YDPP).
• The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis was the first YMCA association to partner with the VA to provide a full wellness approach to veteran services, along with an association-wide discount for veteran and active military members.
• Our YMCA staff and volunteer teams made calls to our 18,697 members over the age of 60 checking in on them and offering a kind ear.
• There are 55 children in our care from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. through our childcare for essential workers and emergency responders program. We are continuing to get requests and, for those you qualify, are offering financial assistance.
• Between March 25 and April 1, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis staff uploaded 73 classes in fitness, family, aquatics, cooking, and sports. The community viewed 967 hours of content, with over 90,000 views, and a 300% increase in Facebook engagements.
• The Indy WTN phone app had nearly 998 new downloads and over 600 members engaged in one of 3 challenges;
• 2,620 active members requested and received access to the Les Mills on-demand site; 234 members are currently actively participating in small group training sessions, and virtual personal training has retained over 40% of current clients.
• If all sites that provide meals or other crisis services reopen, this would require staff and meals in as many as 100 schools and 30 summer day camp locations.

HOW WE ARE SERVING DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has faced new challenges head-on. Fortunately, where some see obstacles, we see opportunities to make a difference. Our facilities may be closed, but with the help of staff, volunteers, community partners and donors, our friends and neighbors in central Indiana continue to see the YMCA as a beacon of hope.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, we are currently providing:

• Emergency childcare for the children of first responders, healthcare workers and essential workers, in partnership with the City of Indianapolis and the Marion County Health Department, and with support from the United Way of Central Indiana
• Book delivery to children of essential workers, in partnership with The Indianapolis Public Library
• Blood drives at Y facilities
• Meal assistance and food distribution, in partnership with community organizations
• Sterilization for personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by Hendricks Regional Health YMCA
• Operation REACH (Reach out, Encourage, Activate, Connect, Honor)—Y staff contacted 18,697 senior members to reduce feelings of isolation; connect them to YMCA virtual options; provide resources; and ensure they can stay healthy during the crisis
• Outreach to Before and After School participants by Youth Development Site Directors to promote social connectedness
• Lesson plans to pre-school families to keep them learning at home
• Virtual health and wellness programming, including internationally acclaimed fitness classes accessible to the community
• YouTube playlists with activities for swimming and dry-land sports
• Virtual programs to improve mental health and address chronic disease prevention
• Daily online devotions offered by YMCA Volunteer Chaplains
• Chosen by Indiana DCS to be an emergency housing provider for children whose parents have experienced the illness

HEALTHY LIVING

Our YMCA focuses on improving the personal well-being of people of all ages. With a significant sense of isolation caused by this health crisis, it is more important than ever to keep personal wellness at the forefront. The YMCA is working diligently to provide virtual wellness opportunities, including social aspects to support the health and well-being of spirit, mind and body.

Crisis Response

• Virtual wellness coaching has been conducted with members (individuals, households, and employees of corporate members) who may be struggling to reach or sustain healthy habits in a new environment.
• All community partners receive wellness check opportunities, including healthcare, universities, schools, and the faith-based community.
• Our staff has uploaded over 113 classes in fitness, family, aquatics, cooking and mental wellness (i.e. meditation) with new classes added regularly.
• In addition to our local content, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is offering access to world-renowned fitness programming through LesMills Virtual and Y360.
• We have enacted social fitness challenges through a new app, keeping people connected and motivated to meet their fitness goals.

Sustained Need

• Your support will help us continue to deliver virtual content as we move ahead, with engagement strategies and member connection visits.
• As with past economic downturns, our most vulnerable families will be most heavily affected. There will be an increased need for financial assistance to enable young people and families to engage in YMCA youth development, educational health and well-being activity programs.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

At the Y we focus on giving back and providing support to our neighbors. We work every day to bridge the gaps that divide people in our communities and bring our cause to the people and neighborhoods that need us the most. With our members, volunteers, staff and partners, we work to inspire a spirit of service in everyone we touch. From children to seniors, we help people embrace their responsibility to their communities.

Crisis Response

• Operation REACH (Reach out, Encourage, Activate, Connect, Honor) for 18,697 members over the age of 60
• Three before and after school sites are open to distribute meals, provided daily by Indianapolis Parks and Recreation (IndyParks)
• Willingness to provide space, volunteers and other applicable resources to those in need
• Partnering with fellow charitable organizations to strengthen the local response to the COVID-19 crisis

Sustained Need

• Since mid-March, unemployment claims in Indiana have totaled over 332,000, representing almost 10% of the labor force. The need to support our members and program participants will be vast with these financial challenges facing so many of our neighbors. Currently, the unemployment rate has increased from 3% to over 9% due to the COVID-19 crisis in Indiana.
• Additional support will ensure that we never have to turn anyone away due to an inability to pay, now or in the future.

WHY GIVE NOW

It is through the support of our community that we are able to step up in times of need and serve in ways that we could never have anticipated.  We are proud to be staunch supporters of the communities in which we reside, and are grateful to have you standing by our side as we tackle the crisis that has adversely affected so many of us.

#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020. The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is participating in this global day of philanthropy to raise funds and bring awareness to continued serving in our community. Doing so allows membership and programs to be available to all when we reopen our doors.

DONATE ONLINE

We thank you for your generosity!