OCTOBER 2024In this issue:Citi Foundation Transforms Transitional Housing in QueensY Cheer Zones at the TCS NYC MarathonBig Impact, Small Change at the Macy’s Round-up EventGet out the Vote!Upcoming Events Citi Foundation Transforms Transitional Housing in Queens The YMCA of Greater New York is grateful to the Citi Foundation for their transformative investment of $500,000 in our transitional housing program at the Jamaica Y, serving hundreds of homeless New Yorkers annually. This grant has been awarded as part of the Citi Foundation’s 2024 Global Innovation Challenge, which provides a collective $25 million in catalytic funding to support community organizations around the world working in novel ways to address homelessness. We are honored to be among the 50 community organizations selected to be a part of this critical effort. Over the next two years, this grant will enable us to expand and enhance our transitional housing program at the Jamaica Y, empowering individuals with the tools necessary for long-term financial stability in a community facing a cost-of-living crisis. With the Citi Foundation’s support, the Y will offer enhanced services such as financial coaching, job training, employment opportunities and stipends to individuals experiencing homelessness, prioritizing the diverse needs of our Spanish-speaking community as well as individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.Thanks to the Citi Foundation, 750 homeless New Yorkers will be served through our financial counseling workshops and one-on-one sessions, providing pathways to financial independence. Additionally, our expanded program will help 250 participants secure employment through direct connections to employers, and job training workshops where participants will gain lifelong skills to facilitate their transition to stable housing and successful careers. By addressing the financial and social barriers to stability, we can make a lasting impact for those that come through our doors.“The Citi Foundation’s investment will have a tremendous impact for people in transition in Jamaica, Queens,” said Cedric Dew, Vice President of Transitional Housing and Executive Director of Jamaica YMCA. "Through our partnership, we are opening doors for our neighbors to build brighter futures and achieve lasting self-sufficiency."On behalf of the Jamaica Y and the many lives that will be touched by this grant, we thank the Citi Foundation for their enduring commitment to uplifting people in low-income communities in Jamaica, Queens and around the world. Y Cheer Zones at the TCS NYC Marathon Join the Y on one of the best days in the city at the TCS NYC Marathon on November 3. As a dedicated supporter of the Y, we invite you to cheer on Team Y Champions who have been training for this day, making meaningful impact in our communities along the way. Our charity runners bring the inspiration, you bring the cheer, and we’ll bring our community together (plus signage, swag, noisemakers, and refreshments!). Can’t make it? Show your support now! Prospect Park Y – Mile 78:30am: Breakfast at Prospect Park Y9:30am-1pm: Y Cheer Zone - 4th Av & 9th St (East side) I'll be there!Greenpoint Y – Mile 12.510:00am: Breakfast at Greenpoint Y 10:30am-2pm: Y Cheer Zone - NW corner of Manhattan Av & Meserole Av I'll be there!Harlem Y – Mile 21.511:00am: Brunch at Harlem Y12pm-4pm: Y Cheer Zone - NW corner of W 135th and 5th Av I'll be there! Big Impact, Small Change at the Macy’s Round-up Event From October 16-31, Macy’s Herald Square will offer customers the opportunity to round their purchase up to the nearest dollar (up to $.99) as a donation to the Y’s annual fundraising efforts to sustain our free community services and programs, made possible by the generosity of donors like you. Sometimes it really is the little things in life, and we believe small actions are a meaningful part of the collective effort to strengthen our NYC communities. Together, we can open doors for our neighbors who need us. Learn more about how your change creates the kind that lasts. Get out the Vote! Elections happen every year, yet many New Yorkers aren’t aware of just how to ensure their voices can be heard. In 2021, only 26.5% of eligible voters participated in the mayoral primary, and that dropped to a historic low of 23.3% in the general election. Just last year, voter participation for City Council races hit a low of 7.2% in the primary and 12.8% in the general election. At the Y, we're committed to changing that. Throughout October, our branches across the five boroughs are hosting activations to get people excited about voting. Anyone who comes to the Y will have the opportunity to check their voter status and learn about candidates with the goal of inspiring voter registration and education—and the giveaways, decorations, and treats don’t hurt. Help us spread the word! Pick five friends, remind them to register, and encourage them to vote in every election. Together with civic engagement partners like NYC Votes and the Brooklyn NAACP, we're making sure New Yorkers get out the vote—and with dedicated supporters like you, we can continue to make a real impact in our city. UPCOMING EVENTS HISPANIC ACHIEVERS AWARDS & RECEPTIONWednesday, November 13 | 6PM Hispanic Heritage Month may end on October 15, but we're continuing the celebration into November by honoring excellence and empowering youth in the Hispanic community.BUY TICKETSMACY'S ROUND-UP EVENT October 16-31 Macy's Herald Square Get a head start on holiday shopping and make an impact by rounding up your purchase!Saturday, October 26 Last Day to Register, Early Voting Begins Vote Early at the Y. Sunday, November 3 Early Voting Ends & TCS NYC Marathon Cheer on Team Y Champions at one of our cheer zones!PROSPECT YGREENPOINT YHARLEM YTuesday, November 5 ELECTION DAY