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Jackson YMCA
Jackson
Hero Story
The Jackson YMCA has been serving the community for 125 years. Over the decades, the organization has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. The YMCA is often seen as a place to get fit, but it is so much more than a gym. Like many other organizations and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jackson YMCA was forced to close its doors for an extended time. Even though the YMCA was not able to deliver its traditional model of programs and services, it pivoted to meet the needs of its members and community brought about by the pandemic.
Although the Y was closed, leadership staff remained on-site to distribute free meals, and many recipients were those who found themselves unexpectedly unemployed due to the pandemic. The Y worked with long-time partner Jackson Public Schools to distribute student meals. The first Facebook post announcing this service was shared 420 times in just over a day, an indication of the great need in our community.
With businesses remaining closed and many experiencing financial hardship, the Y began supplying personal needs items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, laundry detergent, diapers, and baby wipes. Adult and family meal kits were added as the pandemic lockdown continued. Community partners reached out to the Y asking for assistance to provide showers to homeless individuals and families. The Y also enlisted a dedicated team of volunteers to deliver meals and items to those unable to drive or walk to the YMCA. Several of those volunteers were retired active older adults and retired veterans. Throughout the spring and summer of 2020, volunteers traveled more than 1,200 miles to deliver more than 100,000 pounds of necessities. When the Y was allowed to re-open in mid-September, it continued food and item distribution three days a week, averaging more than 2,400 meals per month in the fall and winter, regardless of rain, snow, or sleet. It also offered virtual learning at the YMCA so that parents that were needed at their jobs could work and students could learn in a safe and fun environment with supervision.
During the Y’s six-month mandated shut-down, staff members made phone calls to senior members who were alone and isolated. The staff even met some for socially distanced walks to help them maintain their mental and physical health.
This work was made possible by tremendous community support received through donations, grant funding, and Y family members who maintained their membership at a reduced rate while the Y was closed. Through this ongoing support, the Y continues to be here to serve and help sustain the community.
Jackson YMCA
Jackson
Hero Story
The Jackson YMCA has been serving the community for 125 years. Over the decades, the organization has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. The YMCA is often seen as a place to get fit, but it is so much more than a gym. Like many other organizations and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jackson YMCA was forced to close its doors for an extended time. Even though the YMCA was not able to deliver its traditional model of programs and services, it pivoted to meet the needs of its members and community brought about by the pandemic.
Although the Y was closed, leadership staff remained on-site to distribute free meals, and many recipients were those who found themselves unexpectedly unemployed due to the pandemic. The Y worked with long-time partner Jackson Public Schools to distribute student meals. The first Facebook post announcing this service was shared 420 times in just over a day, an indication of the great need in our community.
With businesses remaining closed and many experiencing financial hardship, the Y began supplying personal needs items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, laundry detergent, diapers, and baby wipes. Adult and family meal kits were added as the pandemic lockdown continued. Community partners reached out to the Y asking for assistance to provide showers to homeless individuals and families. The Y also enlisted a dedicated team of volunteers to deliver meals and items to those unable to drive or walk to the YMCA. Several of those volunteers were retired active older adults and retired veterans. Throughout the spring and summer of 2020, volunteers traveled more than 1,200 miles to deliver more than 100,000 pounds of necessities. When the Y was allowed to re-open in mid-September, it continued food and item distribution three days a week, averaging more than 2,400 meals per month in the fall and winter, regardless of rain, snow, or sleet. It also offered virtual learning at the YMCA so that parents that were needed at their jobs could work and students could learn in a safe and fun environment with supervision.
During the Y’s six-month mandated shut-down, staff members made phone calls to senior members who were alone and isolated. The staff even met some for socially distanced walks to help them maintain their mental and physical health.
This work was made possible by tremendous community support received through donations, grant funding, and Y family members who maintained their membership at a reduced rate while the Y was closed. Through this ongoing support, the Y continues to be here to serve and help sustain the community.