Dear Editor:

I'm writing in response to the letter by Brian McDonald.

Growing up in the area, I had the same misconception for many years that the Y was an organization that had deep pockets filled by the generosity of many and yet always had their hands out for more.

After becoming a parent of two kids who are extremely involved at the Y, it wasn't until just two years ago when I was asked to serve on the board of directors that I feel I really began to understand what the Y is really about.

One concern of Mr. McDonald is that the new membership for all policy is unfair because of the need to produce a copy of one's 1040 form for verification. This program is a sliding scale of membership fees based on one's income level so that membership would be attainable for all. As with any program like this, there has to be some kind of verification. If one's income is below the bottom level of this program then there are scholarship dollars from the annual fund drive that will be used to pay one's membership fee in full.

Another concern of Mr. McDonald was about the cost of a program like the swim team. There are many Y programs that have an added cost because of the expense of coaches, uniforms, travel, and entry fees for competitions. But again the Y has monies from the fund drive, silent auction, and other fundraising efforts of volunteers to make it so cost is not a barrier that keeps anyone from participation.

I have seen in my roles as a co-chair of an annual fund drive and as a member of the board of directors that the number one goal is making the Y both accessible but even more than that a place that makes a difference in the lives of each and every person, regardless of age or financial standing.

Please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to help you find the answers to any questions about the Y.

Andrew Morley
YMCA Board and Member