Retired phys ed teacher and swimming coach Merrianne Gaber volunteers her time at the Glenwood Park Y teaching basic swimming skills to young adults living with severe autism. “The developmental progress is immeasurable.  The lifelong skills learned in simply getting ready to go to the pool and follow directions are routine and the swimming experience enhances their senses, calms their being and is something they can enjoy forever.  I love it.”

In a 3-year collaborative relationship with the Edinboro Community –Based Transition Program, the Glenwood Y has been offering group adaptive swimming lessons for young adults 18-21 who are transitioning to life on their own.  “Our program is teaching more than just swimming.  Through the act of swimming, we are teaching independent living skills -  getting dressed and showering; we are teaching community skills – appropriate behavior for public places and getting along with others – and work skills – following directions and respect for authority.”

The Glenwood Y serves as a support resource for other community groups such as Erie Homes for Children and Adults, the Achievement Center, Barber National Institute, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Erie and Community Resources for Indpendence.

Throughout our community, the Y is known as a place to go swimming or work out, but it’s much more than that; it’s a place that changes lives. Programs like the Adaptive Swimming Program’s story demonstrates the intrinsic value of having a Y in erie and there are many others who could benefit greatly from the different services and programs offered by the YMCA of Greater Erie.

This is why we are launching our annual community support campaign We Build People.  Your financial gift to the campaign will help continue the important work the Y does, be it providing kids a safe place to learn and grow before or after school; offering families opportunities to reconnect and grow together; or providing people of all backgrounds access to healthy living programs to help them in their overall wellness.

Gifts to We Build People provide the Y with resources for community outreach programs and scholarships for programs and memberships to the kids and families that need us most.

We encourage everyone in the community to join our cause.  When we all pitch in and help our neighbors, we make a meaningful, enduring impact in the lives of children and families and ultimately, strengthen our community.

To get involved in the Y’s We Build People community support campaign, visit www.webuildpeopleerie.org.

Erie, PA – The Eastside Family YMCA has opened a satellite Early Care & School-Age Enrichment Center conveniently located at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 662 Silliman Ave in Lawrence Park. The new state-licensed facility will offer before and afterschool programming for children enrolled in the Iroquois School District’s 4-year old preschool and ½ day Kindergarten programs.

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Erie, PA – It’s a BIG Day for Kamdyn. She and 74 other preschoolers will begin their firstday of preschool on Monday, Aug. 29, 2011 at the YMCA of Greater Erie’s newest early care & preschool enrichment center, the Eastside Y Academy, 2132 Willow Street in Wesleyville. 

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Erie,PA- The YMCA of Greater Erie and UPMC Hamot have reached an agreement to lease space for a new adult-only YMCA branch on the campus of UPMC Hamot. The Downtown Y @ UPMC Hamot will be located in the existingHamotWellnessCenterspace. TheHamotWellnessCenterwill remain open through Sept. 30.  The Downtown Y @ UPMC Hamot will open Oct. 1.

The Downtown Y @ UPMC Hamot, opening Oct. 1, becomes a membership branch of the YMCA of Greater Erie poised to serve the community through memberships and programs at this new location.  Currently, the YMCA of Greater Erie serves approximately 30,000 people at 5 membership branches –CampSherwin, County, Downtown, Eastside andGlenwoodPark– and 19 early care & school-age enrichment centers located throughout Erie County.

“Partnering with YMCA of Greater Erie on this initiative will ensure access to a fitness facility for our existing members, our employees and others wanting to take advantage of the convenience of downtown Y locations. This collaboration represents the commitment of two non-profit organizations to meeting the wellness needs of our community,” stated Jim Fiorenzo, UPMC Hamot Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

“It is the mission of the YMCA to ensure membership for all regardless of ability to pay.  Through income-based rates and financial assistance, membership is affordable for everyone,” stated Vandemewre.

Officials have confirmed that the Downtown Y and the Downtown Y @ UPMC Hamot will be considered one membership branch with one monthly fee; current Downtown Y adult members will have access to the Downtown Y @ UPMC Hamot and vice versa.  Members will also have the option of a Metro membership which opens up membership to all YMCA of Greater Erie branches.

“This is the time of year when many look for opportunities to get healthy, to try new activities and to volunteer.  People want a place to go where they can feel supported, improve their well-being and create meaningful experiences in their lives.  And, we know that this can happen when people not only become part of an organization, but join a cause that benefits them, as well as their neighbors,” says Vandemerwe. “The Downtown Y @ UPMC Hamot extends our reach into the community and our ability to work alongside our members, volunteers and staff to strengthen our community in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”

For more information on the Downtown Y @ UPMC Hamot call 452-3261.