STRONG KIDS CAMPAIGN

The Y is a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of race, age, religion or financial standing. Through the Strong Kids Campaign, the Y provides financial assistance that keeps programs available to children and families who need them most. The Strong Kids Campaign was established to ensure no one would be turned away from YMCA programs and services due only to the inability to pay. The campaign gives members and friends of the Y an opportunity to help others and give back to the community through volunteerism and financial contributions.

IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE

Campaign funds are invested in people. The money raised goes directly to deliver programs and services for children, teens, adults and families. It does not pay YMCA overhead or campaign expenses.

The Strong Kids Campaign funds help:

  • Provide lifelong experiences for children, adults and families through Y camping, aquatics, sports, wellness and many other vital programs and services;
  • Develop and enhance teen programs throughout the community;
  • Support the Y's financial assistance program , assuring that no one is turned away from Y programs and services due only to the inability to pay. 25% of Y members receive some form of financial assistance.

BENEFITS FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY

The Olean Family YMCA offers quality programs and services that influence the quality of life in our community well beyond those individuals and families who participate in them directly.

  • Y programs develop positive values and build self-esteem, helping to prevent substance abuse, crime, and delinquency.
  • Health and physical education programs help reduce health care costs, improve the quality of life, combat stress, increase longevity, and improve employee productivity.
  • Y child care programs provide the employees of local companies with high quality, convenient and affordable supervision for their children.
  • Y programs strengthen families and help them cope with the pressures of modern living.
  • The Olean Family YMCA is a large employer of teenagers, providing many with their first work experience. Their training and development helps promote work habits and skills that will be of future value to them and the businesses with which they will work.
  • Programs for seniors promote healthy living, provide social activities and meaningful volunteer service.
  • Group centered activities and opportunities for the community involvement cultivate leadership abilities, citizenship and an appreciation of community service.
  • The Olean Family YMCA brings together those of different cultures, religions and ethnic origins in ways that encourage understanding between people.
  • The Olean Family YMCA is a resource to the community for finding ways to solve problems, working together effectively and making our community a better place to live and work.

VOLUNTEERS - Why we need your help!

The Strong Kids Campaign is the single most important funding source that will allow the Y to continue changing lives.

Volunteers are the heart of the Y. By volunteering for this campaign, you will help to:

  • Provide funding for programs that require a subsidy in order to cover the cost of operating. Many important YMCA programs cannot be sustained through fees alone. Examples include: Learn to Swim, Day Camping, expanded Youth Sports, Child Care, and Family programs.
  • Furnish financial assistance to those who cannot afford to pay program or membership fees. Your Y operates with the philosophy of charging fees to those with the ability to pay and helping those who can't, an honorable arrangement. 25% of Y members are receiving some form of assistance.
  • Tell the Y story in the community. In meeting face to face with contributors, you provide important information about Y programs and our goals.
  • Gather feedback from the community as to how we're doing and how we are perceived. This gives Y leaders helpful information on how to improve our programs and what new goals we might pursue.
  • Develop leadership for the Y and the community. Campaign volunteers have the opportunity to develop organizational and communication skills that help them succeed at work and in other civic activities. Many campaign volunteers have attributed their advancements to experiences in the Y Strong Kids Campaign. In this respect, it is one of the most important, largest and most successful adult programs at the Olean Family YMCA.
  • Nurture an appreciation for the value of voluntary community service and charitable giving. To choose and give freely of our time, money and talent is a unique American privilege. Yet, many people have not learned the value of giving and the great satisfaction that goes with it. We want people to learn that when they help out others, they help themselves even more.

Need more information?

For more information on the Strong Kids Campaign, please contact Rachel Linderman at 716-701-1314.