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Date: 5/26/2021
HOLYOKE – The Holyoke YMCA strives to be more than a place for fitness, but a place where members can experience fellowship amongst one another. Over the course of the pandemic, the Holyoke YMCA has been a place where locals can work out, participate in vast programming and socialize safely.
CEO of the Holyoke YMCA Kathy Viens shared, “The goal is to meet the community needs in the areas of health, wellness and child education. Make sure we are the community choice for adults, children, and infants.”
Though the Holyoke YMCA has a 50 percent capacity limit, they were able to make a safe gathering space for members. Members are able to use the space to create healthier versions of themselves both spiritually and mentally by participating in wellness programs to improve their cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and strength.
The Wellness Center of the YMCA, for instance, provides the chance for members to work with staff to design a workout program to suit their health and fitness goals.There are four sections within the Wellness Center which include free weights, cybex, stretch and core, and cardio. Barriers were put between equipment, masks are required and social distancing is necessary to keep members safe at the YMCA.
Adults have the opportunity to partake in learning how to swim in their water fitness program. According to Viens, a water exercise class can help those with joint issues since all exercises are low impact in shallow water. Swimming lessons are also offered to children, aged from six months to 12 years old. Parents are able to attend a water adjustment class with their infants, where they will learn how to support and hold their swimmer. Children ages 3 to 12 years old are protected from danger with certified swimming instructors and lifeguards on site.
Since the swimming program began on April 26, Veins indicated that 60 children have already joined the program and has predicted that by summer, 90 children will be part of the program.The program gives children the chance to learn effective ways to stay safe around water, remain healthy, and even learn how to save someone from drowning. The Holyoke YMCA partners with USA Swimming Foundation initiative called “Make A Splash” to spread the life-saving skill of swimming throughout the community.
Swim classes are currently under protocols such as instructors wearing face shields, sanitizing toys and equipment, and one spectator with a swimmer.
According to Viens, the YMCA looks to develop a child socially, physically and academically. Childcare programs from YMCA include a full-day Y-Kids preschool intended for those 3 to 5 years old. Children will be broken down into groups by age before beginning the day. Six teachers are currently present to help prepare preschoolers for kindergarten. The program runs year-round to support early learning initiatives.
After-school programs begin at school dismissal and run until 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. The after-school program is served to all students in all schools in Holyoke including charter students. Programming includes literacy and homework help, thematic curriculum, arts and crafts, physical activities, snacks and outside play.
The summer program for children will be up and running again starting the third week of June and will run until August. Campers can anticipate attending local playgrounds, spray parks and will join in on other activities to appreciate the outdoors.
All programs will continue to expand and open up specific areas upon new state policies. “We hope to get more people to come into the YMCA as more people get vaccinated," Viens said.
The YMCA participates in making differences to the community and giving back. Viens explained, “We will do a food drive, educate the public, and run community events. Most actively we have partnered with the Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative group to bring basketball programs. We also worked alongside medical centers, pediatricians, and participated in activities at farm markets.”
Viens shared a time where she was able to help give back to a mother who came into the YMCA to get her children. She said, “I had a mother come into the Y, to get her children and was in the need of clothes and car seats. So we had reached out to the members and connected with services like the Fire Department to help raise money and gather items. The Fire Department actually had given out carseats to the mother in need.”
Members who are looking to become part of the YMCA by joining online at holyokeymca.org or by calling 534-5631. Viens said, “Anyone can be a member, we won’t refuse service and are always welcoming members to participate.” A financial assistance program is granted up to 12 months to help reduce membership fees. The YMCA works to ensure every individual has access to the facility and its programs, in order to learn and grow.
“We are open and here for them,” said Viens.