Dear Y Community,
If 2023 was a lesson in resilience, 2024 has been about re-ignition. Over the last year, the Capital District YMCA (CDYMCA) has coninued to bring back more beloved programs and community resources that had been dormant due to the pandemic. We have also welcomed new programs and partnerships that connect members with the information and resources they need to thrive. Beyond programming, we have also been hard at work refreshing some of our facilities, responding to the changing needs and wants of the communities we serve.
Our fiscal year kicked off with the grand opening of our Albany location on New Scotland Avenue. Accessible, modern, and with cutting-edge equipment, this location builds on what we achieved with our Evolution facility in Colonie – offering a fresh, new fitness experience that reframes what it means to work out at the Y. We also embarked on our first major renovation project of an existing YMCA facility, breaking ground on new features and community spaces to modernize the Southern Saratoga YMCA.
As pickleball has continued to take the country by storm, we have carved out more space for pickleball athletes to shine. Some CDYMCA locations now offer both indoor and outdoor spaces so that pickleball athletes can stay active, and our growing range of pickleball training programs ensure that anyone can take up this fast-paced, low-impact sport. Additionally, we have reignited our Pedaling for Parkinson’s initiative, while expanding our neuromotor wellness classes to help active older adults maintain their strength and coordination, regardless of their fitness level.
When people think about wellness, we want them to think of the YMCA. However, our staff, our board, and many of our members recognize that we are so much more than “gym and swim.”
CDYMCA has continued to grow and expand our refugee support programs. What started as a single, small English Language Learning (ELL) class is now flourishing into a series, with a growing group of volunteers supporting the expansion.
Our Youth & Government program is back, and it was great to see our young leaders at the New York State Capital again, gavels in hand, engaged with local elected officials and making their voices heard through the democratic process. This program, along with our Black and Latino Achievers program, is designed to prepare the next generation for their role as community builders.
Finally, our camp, afterschool, and educational childcare programs continue to support hundreds of working families across the Capital District, while preparing young children for their entrance into elementary school. Camp Chingachgook shined brightly this year, as our one-of-a-kind Adirondack camp has reached pre-pandemic enrollment levels, offering signals that people are ready to fearlessly “get back out there” again.
As you can see, there’s a lot to be excited about here at the Capital District YMCA. We hope you’ll join us in our efforts to come back into the community stronger and better than ever.
Dave Brown,
CEO and President, CDYMCA
John Vero
Chair, CDYMCA Board of Directors
Inspiring Impact: Neuromotor Wellness
Neuromotor Wellness is a research-based exercise program specifically for those with muscular degeneration challenges including but not limited to Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, stroke recovery, and muscle injury. The class is progressive and holds promise to slow disease progression, restore motor function, and increase longevity and quality of life.
Caretakers are not only invited - but encouraged - to attend this program at no additional cost. Expanding this program has helped more individuals with neuromotor challenges to find health and healing in a fun, safe community environment.
Along with our Pedaling for Parkinson’s program, Neuromotor Wellness is expanding access to these life changing programs for people with neutomotor challenges.
Inspiring Impact: Y-Knot
The adaptive sailing program, Y-Knot Sailing, based at YMCA Camp Chingachgook on beautiful Lake George, has had profound impacts in making sailing accessible to individuals with disabilities. By offering unique on-the-water experiences, providing supportive instructional opportunities, and promoting adaptive sailing within the broader sailing community, Y-Knot Sailing builds independence, improves safety, and fosters friendly competition, all while removing barriers.
Participants, alongside their families, friends, and volunteers, experience the joy of sailing in a fun and inclusive setting, highlighting the program’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment on the stunning waters of Lake George.
The Black and Latino Achievers program recognizes the unique challenges faced by Black and Latino youth and aims to provide them with essential resources, mentorship, and opportunities for academic and personal success. Participants receive academic support services like tutoring and study skills workshops. Mentorship pairs participants with guides who offer invaluable encouragement and advocacy. Leadership development workshops foster communication and teamwork. The program celebrates cultural heritage through events promoting pride and awareness. It also offers college and career readiness support, assisting with applications and financial aid. Community and civic engagement initiatives encourage participants to contribute positively to their communities, fostering social responsibility. The Black and Latino Achievers program is a vital catalyst for personal growth and community impact, nurturing future leaders within Black and Latino communities.
Inspiring Impact
Closer to home, CDYMCA’s Rifat Filkins has been growing a refugee food relief program in the Capital Region. Every week, the CDYMA works alongside our partners at the Salvation Army to circulate boxes of food, including fresh produce, to refugee families in need.
The food relief program is just one of a handful of impactful refugee and immigrant support initiatives being led by the CDYMCA. A refugee youth soccer program has grown over the last few years to build community among refugee families relocating to the region, and expanded English Language Learning classes have continued to grow in their use and popularity, also attracting a growing number of local volunteers.
