Welcome Back to the Y

Welcome Back to the Y!

Greetings everybody,

First and foremost, welcome back to the Y! I can't tell you how happy it makes me to safely open our doors once again. Seeing kids back in our early learning centers, swimmers back in the pools, fitness instructors leading outdoor group exercise classes - all of it brings me such a strong sense of gratitude and hope. 

I am grateful for our dynamic staff, who have risen to the challenges of this year, and worked tirelessly to create, adjust, and rebuild our core programs to meet this ever-changing moment.

And I am grateful to you - our dedicated members both new and longstanding, who have stood with the Y this year. Your sustained memberships and generous gifts have allowed us to continue much of our vital community work and I can't thank you enough. Together, we've cared for essential working families, fed community members in need, hosted blood drives to save thousands of lives, and offered safe and supportive spaces for students to stay on track with virtual learning.

Our work doesn't stop there. As we begin to start planning for life-after-covid, there will be new surprises and  challenges to face, and new ideas to grow and cultivate. Transitions will be ongoing, and our programs and facilities will keep evolving as we slowly and safely reacclimate to a re-opened society. Through all of this, we must continue to find new ways to support each other, and keep each other safe.

As we all step into this new territory together, YMCA of the East Bay will work to stay nimble and patient, and I am hopeful that in doing so, our Y community will grow even stronger. This year has taught us that life has been and will continue to be unpredictable. But know that whatever comes next, we will be right here, ready to support you however we can.

Thank you and welcome back!

Fran