Like the rest of the world, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is pivoting to do what’s best for the community at large during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Y has shifted fitness services to virtual options and opened facilities only to essential workers needing access to child care during this time.
The Y is also working to take care of the nearly 15,000 area seniors that usually spend their time at the Y. They are making wellness calls to all senior members and connecting them with resources they may need during this time. The Y is also making porch visits and delivering shelf-stable foods and toiletries to these home-bound seniors.
Finally, the Y is encouraging everyone to go be the Y in their neighborhoods by becoming a YMCA Virtual Volunteer. While still practicing social distancing, families can serve their neighbors by picking up trash, clearing community flower beds, pulling trash cans in and out, delivering handmade cards, or even running a critical errand. Signing up to be a virtual volunteer is simple. Just start doing acts of kindness in your neighborhood and use the hashtag #YMCAVirtualVolunteer.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Y relies on program sales, membership fees, and donations to operate. The shift in offerings will have a significant impact on the Y’s overall budget as well as the ability to deliver mission-critical services to our community during this time. Make a donation to the emergency fund or find volunteer ideas by visiting www.MyY.org/give.