Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs

This year, we invite you to focus on building stronger connections and giving back to our community. At the Y, we're more than just a gym – we're a family. Join us in volunteering, participating in community events, and making a positive impact in your community. Together, we can make 2025 a year of unity and support!

On Monday, December 9, the South Shore YMCA honored State Representative Tackey Chan (D, Second Norfolk) for his years of dedicated service to the Y and his continued advocacy for the people of Quincy. Kathy Quigley, Development Director, South Shore YMCA, joined Tackey at the celebration. They also recognized three retiring board members at their holiday celebration for their combined 125 years of service to the Executive Board. From left to right are Steve Briggs, 40 years; Alex Clark, 50 years; and Doug Briggs, 35 years. Steve and Doug were third-generation board members and Alex was fourth. His great-grandfather signed the Quincy Y’s articles of incorporation in 1892. We applaud them for their continued support for the Y over the years!

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, the YMCA of Greater Boston, and Mass General Brigham recently announced a partnership that has transformed a 27,000-square-foot former Amazon fulfillment center into a “food hub” in Roxbury. The hub has 5,500 square feet of refrigeration and freezer space and is expected to help bring more fresh produce and other perishable items to disadvantaged populations. Before the pandemic, the Greater Boston YMCA provided meals to children after school and in the summer, but the aftermath of the pandemic brought the need for the Y to get heavily involved in food distribution. “In the pandemic, we became a huge player, for being a middle organization between the [Greater Boston] Food Bank and lots of organizations like pantries and faith-based [groups] that received food from the food bank. The YMCA got really into the grocery distribution effort using our buildings — which were obviously shut down as gyms for a period — as food distribution centers", according to President and CEO David Shapiro. Please read the details here: https://lnkd.in/gju58MKf

The Asian Pacific Islander Leadership Network (APILN) is hosting “Professional Learning Community & Teatime Crossover: Creating Legacy & Celebrating the Life of Fred Hoshiyama” tomorrow, December 10 from 3:00 PM-4:00 PM (EST). Join the APILN community to hear from Jimmy Chow, Y-USA National Board Member and Director of Community Relations at Mastercard, who will offer insights on shaping your career. Trang Truong-Hill of Y-USA will also join us as she shares her experience with Fred Hoshiyama, his scholarship, and its impact on her YMCA journey. You can register here: https://lnkd.in/eUBM9Ew6

At the Teen Center at Mystic Valley YMCA, BSAS programming provides a supportive space where youth can openly discuss the challenges of peer pressure related to drug and alcohol use. Many teens share that they experience direct pressure from friends to experiment with substances, often leading to difficult choices that impact their social circles. Teen Center BSAS programming has dedicated time each week where teens share their personal stories within a group setting, fostering mutual support. Additionally, staff advocate for youth to have private discussions with them; this allows youth to explore these sensitive topics one-on-one if they feel more comfortable doing so. This dual approach helps build trust and empowers teens to make informed, healthy decisions. Source: Mystic Valley YMCA #MonthlyMissionMoment

This holiday season, experience the joy of uniting to make our community a better place for all. Support The Y and discover what a gift it is to give. Find joy in giving on this #GivingTuesday.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Alliance Team! 

The Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs recently hosted our largest Annual Meeting with the YPN Chapter 4 at Gillette Stadium. We were proud to bring our Massachusetts Y family together for a day to learn, engage, and grow as a collective force. More than 500 people were present to listen to this year's keynote former Patriot Rob Ninkovich and attended some amazing workshops conducted by the experts in the field. A big congratulations to Paul Gorman, the President and CEO of the South Shore YMCA who received the prestigious Triangle Award for his leadership and immense contribution to the Y. A special shout out to the Alliance Grants Team, Caitlyn Sweeney, Jessica Borges, Erica Cashman, MBA, and Nisha Noor for winning the 'Team Award' and Nisha Noor for winning the 'Emerging Leader Award'. The photos of recognition and celebration from the Ys across the state made us realize what an impactful day it was and how proud we are to be part of the MA YMCA family! 

What an amazing day! More official photos to come

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is November 17-23. No one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head. But the reality is that hunger and homelessness are widespread problems that affect far too many people. This Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, we are happy to share that both South Shore YMCA and YMCA Southcoast received the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Food Security Infrastructure Grant in the amount of $42,188 and $26,800 respectively. Very recently, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $24.6 million in grants to 163 Massachusetts food system enterprises that will help to sustain Massachusetts’ food production and distribution sectors. This grant will be distributed through the innovative Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) program, a competitive grant program managed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). The funding will help farmers and other local food producers to be part of a strong and resilient food system to ensure that fresh, healthy, local food is available to all residents. A big shout-out to the South Shore YMCA and the YMCA Southcoast!