FEBRUARY 2025

In this issue:

Y Teens Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy 

Teens at Vanderbilt Y for MLK Day of Service

Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day of Service, a program day offered as part of Leaders Club, is a citywide opportunity for teens to give back while also exploring the social justice issues that impact our communities. Since MLK Day of Service’s inception over 15 years ago, this citywide movement offers activities ranging from community clean-ups to donation drives benefiting local shelters and hospitals.  

This year, the Vanderbilt Y partnered with Harlem Y to host a food and clothing drive. Teens worked for weeks to gather donations like winter clothing and canned goods to benefit the East Harlem community and our Transitional Housing residents. The Jamaica Y also held a clothing drive for their branch’s residents in Transitional Housing, thanks to our teen volunteers’ efforts. This program offers financial coaching, job training, and employment support to foster lasting financial stability. In a city where homelessness has reached its highest levels since the Great Depression, these efforts are more critical than ever. Black New Yorkers bear the brunt of this crisis, making up 56% of the shelter population.

By taking action to support their neighbors, Y teens are not only responding to community needs but also developing the leadership skills that will serve them—and their communities—far into the future. The Y’s teen programs give young people opportunities to learn about their communities and give back in meaningful ways. Their work on MLK Day honored Dr. King’s legacy of service while laying the groundwork for ongoing advocacy and impact throughout the year.

To learn more about YMCA teen programs, click here. 

Empowering Aging New Yorkers with The John A. Hartford Foundation

Two older adults at the YMCA

The YMCA of Greater New York is grateful for our partnership with The John A. Hartford Foundation, who share in our commitment to serving New York City’s growing older adult population. Over the last decade, the number of New Yorkers aged 65 and older has increased by 36%, necessitating an expansion of social engagement, digital literacy programs, and health prevention services.

Thanks to The John A. Hartford Foundation’s continued investment since 2022, last year we reached hundreds of older adults through workshops designed to promote social connections and reduce isolation. These workshops provide vital health information and resources, empowering participants to detect health risks early and take preventive steps to improve their overall well-being. Additionally, our digital literacy programming helped older adults gain critical technology skills with classes on Computer Essentials, Internet Safety, and iPad Essentials taught in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.  

Our programs focus on fostering physical mobility, reducing social isolation, and empowering older adults to maintain their independence, engage in their communities, and live their most fulfilling lives. This partnership has led to better health outcomes and a stronger sense of community for participants across all five boroughs. By addressing both physical and mental health needs, promoting socialization, and bridging the digital divide, we have made meaningful strides in enhancing the well-being of older adults.

We are honored to recognize The John A. Hartford Foundation’s contributions, which have enabled us to sustain and grow our older adult programs. Together, we are contributing to a more inclusive, healthy, and connected community for NYC’s older adults. 

Registration for Team Y Champions is open!

Marathoner with quote "it's never too late to start running"

Join Team Y Champions to experience NYC in 13.1 at the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon on March 16 and the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon on April 27, no matter your pace.  

In addition to exclusive access to team perks and race day benefits, runners who fundraise for both half marathons will qualify for non-complimentary guaranteed entry into the TCS NYC Marathon with Team Y Champions! Learn more or reach out to Tessa Greenberg with questions.  

Running not your thing? We bike too! Join us on May 4 at the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. Sign me up!

Learn more about our endurance events.

UPCOMING EVENTS

BLACK EXCELLENCE:  ART EXHIBITION EXPLORING AFRICAN CULTURES

FEBRUARY 24-28 | 8:30AM-5:30PM | WEST SIDE YMCA

Admission: Free and open to the public.  

Join us for an enriching and joyful experience as we celebrate Black History Month and the incredible cultural contributions of African nations. Come support the young artists and witness their exploration of a vibrant, diverse world.

For more information, please contact: Misha Paskar, Dir. of Early Childhood, 212-912-2650.

 

ACHIEVERS IN INDUSTRY GALA (bai)

MARCH 13 | 5PM | MARRIOT MARQUIS

The Harlem Y will host the 53rd Achievers in Industry Gala to celebrate achievement by Black and Brown students and leaders in our community. Learn more. 

 

LEADERSHIP UPDATE WITH SHARON GREENBERGER, PRESIDENT AND CEO

THURSDAY, MARCH 20 | 12PM

With your support, the Y achieves incomparable reach and scale in New York City. Join the bi-annual Leadership Update with Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO for specific updates on how your philanthropy shapes lives in NYC. Click here to register.