Can you imagine our community without the Boothbay Region YMCA? Sure, one could exercise elsewhere, but is that benefit the extent of our Y’s contribution to community? The Y is a place where wellness is fostered, values are reinforced, and connections are formed, both between individuals, and organizations. From youth programs, to evidence-based health initiatives, to powerful collaborations with local and regional non-profits, the Y strives to meet community needs at every turn. At a time like this, with an empty parking lot, it’s easy to think that the organization rests dormant; thankfully, that couldn’t be further from reality.

One of the Y’s greatest strengths is its talented, experienced, and cause-driven staff, who have been largely retained during the COVID-19 pandemic, and have spent considerable time adapting to the current way of the world, as well as planning for the future. The facility has never been cleaner or better prepared to welcome members back into the fold, but that’s just the beginning. The Y’s senior management have been hard at work securing grants, disaster relief funding, and making arrangements to help protect the position of the Y throughout this crisis. Thanks to the success of this effort, and the support of dedicated donors, the Y has been able to focus on service to our community during these difficult times.

YMCA staff misses its members and program participants; the Y is a meeting place, described by many as the “hub” of our community. But in the face of this mandated closure, the Y has made extra effort to serve its community in creative and meaningful ways, including but not limited to:

• The distribution of more than 1,000 free, healthy meals to youth
• Providing uninterrupted childcare for families of essential workers
• Offering 60+ free fitness classes by Zoom and Facebook
• Engaging youth and adults in the arts and humanities through virtual Y-ARTS performances
• Hosting multiple appointment-based blood drives with the Red Cross to address the critical blood shortage
• Conducting more than 2,000 wellness check phone calls
• Investing in new systems to protect the health and safety of members once open

To some, myself included, the visual impact of an empty YMCA parking lot is jarring. But thanks to the past and present support of staff, members, donors, and volunteers, this community hub continues to serve as a critical resource.