KV YMCA in the Community

The  Kennebec Valley YMCA responds to community need by...

Serving all incomes, ages and abilities

• We serve annually approximately 15,000 people in diverse communities within the Kennebec Valley area. This includes our members, program members, and day pass visitors.  We bring together young and old, men and women, people of all faiths, backgrounds and incomes.
• No one is turned away for inability to pay. Scholarships, subsidies and outreach provide critical access to low-income families.  In this fiscal year to date, we have provided $96,000 in financial assistance for membership and over $80,000 in program scholarships to children, youth and families.

Serving vulnerable populations in our community

• Children:  Our YMCA serves more than 6000 members - over 50% are children, youth and teens.  We provide a wide range of programs to foster healthy, productive children, and a sense of belonging.  All youth activities incorporate the YMCA Core Values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Low Income Families:  We are one of the largest providers of affordable child care in the capital area.  We offer high-quality child care to working families, regardless of ability to pay.  Approximately 36% of our summer day campers are scholarship recipients, who otherwise might not be able to have a safe, fun and nurturing place to be in the summer.
• Obesity Prevention:  Our YMCA has long been dedicated to providing programs and services that build health of spirit, mind and body for all. We continue this commitment today by engaging and supporting children and all health seekers - individuals of all ages who wish to pursue a healthy lifestyle, but struggle to do so.  Our "Pediatric Referral Program" targets at-risk youth who need help getting active at the Y.  Special events like "Healthy Kids Day" and collaborative outreach efforts with area schools are further examples of our intentional relationship building with youth, teens and their families.
• Elderly:  One fastest growing segment of our membership is members over age 60.  We provide numerous Active Older Adult Programs (wellness/fitness classes and social events) specifically to meet the needs of that population.  We are currently serving just fewer than 1,000 senior members.
• Disabled/Other Nonprofit Organizations:  We offer space at little to no charge to outside clubs, nonprofits, and community service organizations to help them face broader community problems.  Many of these groups also enjoy pool time at our YMCA on a regularly scheduled basis at reduced fees.  Our "Community Group Usage Contracts," further allow group homes and other agencies who serve special populations, access to our Y during non-prime times at substantially reduced membership rates.
• Military:  Through a partnership with the Armed Services YMCA and Department of Defense, military families qualify for free 6-month memberships at participating YMCA's.  Currently we are serving over 70 military families. 

Mobilizing community resources to meet community needs

• Locally Driven:  Our YMCA is created by the local community based on a regional needs assessment and is controlled by a local board of community volunteers.
• Contributed Income:  This fiscal year, our YMCA received almost $180,000 in support from annual community contributions and special fundraising events.
• Volunteer Hours:  KV YMCA volunteers contributed a total of 3500 hours this year, assisting with fundraising, special events, programs, committees, and serving on our Board of Directors.