YMCA at Bridgeway Island Elementary

Happy #FathersDay

Celebrate #Juneteenth Freedom Day! Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863 - it took two and a half years for slaves in the state of Texas to hear of their freedom - Juneteenth is the celebration of the day in the United States where all enslaved were aware of their freedom.

Register your child for Summer at the Y! www.ymcasuperiorcal.org/summeratthey At the Y we provide a safe, nurturing, and fun environment to engage the interests of all kids. Our adventures are non-stop and our activities reinforce the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. ... Summer at the Y creates an exciting, safe environment for kids to have an unforgettable summer of fun. While they are taking part in unique experiences and adventures, they are also building self-esteem, developing interpersonal skills and making lasting friendships. To help mitigate the risks of COVID-19 transmission, your children will interact with the same group of ten kids during the week. Our staff of counselors are trained in the most up to date safety precautions.

I hope this message finds you all safe. Over the past week, the national conversation has moved from the pandemic crisis to racial inequalities that equally plague our communities. Over the weekend, non-violent protests took to the streets to say that enough is enough, and that there is a need for change; that all of us need to see that Black Lives Matter too. While our news is filled with coverage of others who chose to damage our community in pursuit of their own agenda tha...t was not in the spirit of the protests spurred by the murder of Mr. Floyd. The YMCA of Superior California stands in solidarity with those who chose change through nonviolent ways. We salute those who met destruction and despair with brooms and kindness. There needs to be justice for unnecessary and heartbreaking tragedies like the loss of George Floyd, and countless others just like him. This matter goes beyond obtaining justice for Mr. Floyd and his family, but assuring that the next generation of children no longer have to live in a state of fear. We need to ensure that people of color are valued, listened to, and respected. This moment can and must be the catalyst for long term change. The YMCA of Superior California is an organization for all and condemns racism and divisions in our community. Our mission is to inspire all people to a healthy life - in spirit, mind and body; but that can only be achieved when we understand the needs and plight of all in our community. We will continue to listen, and be there when we can to answer that call. If you are in need of help, pleases let us know how we can serve you. If you see how we can improve as an organization or be a leader for diversity and equity, please let us know. The Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are the elements that guide us in these challenging times, as always. We must remain optimistic. We must be honest about this crisis and be willing to take positive steps forward. Please be safe and join our call to strengthen communities by taking a collective silent pledge with us: We will not allow the hurt of our community go unheard and we will be better in our daily lives with all those we encounter. We will take action by working to promote equity in our communities and collaborate more with our local and national community partners to combat inequities locally, nationally and globally. We will heed the Y's core values to be caring, honest, respectful, and responsible during this time of crisis. The YMCA is for ALL. Respectfully, Sharna Braucks President & CEO YMCA of Superior California

Happy #MothersDay

Kids can cook! Explore these family-approved recipes from ChopChop that make it easy for individuals of all ages to get involved. Don’t forget that they can help with set up and clean up, too! #StayWithUs https://www.chopchopfamily.org/learn-to-cook/recipe

Looking for something to occupy your day? Check out the Y Activities page for tips on Fitness, Education, Social Emotional and more!

Have you laughed today? Whether it’s a funny joke or image, according to the Mayo Clinic, laughing stimulates organs, activates and relieves the stress response, and reduces tension. Tell us what made you laugh today! #StayWithUs https://www.mayoclinic.org//in-/stress-relief/art-20044456

We miss our #YKids too! For all you parents looking for ways to keep your kids busy, we've created a page filled with learning, projects, arts, crafts, fitness, music, and dance! Visit www.ymcasuperiorcal.org/activities #StayWithUs #YouthDevelopment #HealthyLiving

Children need reassurance from grown-ups during periods of high stress and anxiety. For tips about how to talk with your kids about COVID-19, check out this information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov//schools-ch/talking-with-children.html

Today is #GivingTuesday and the YMCA is asking you to remember your community members in need during the giving season. A gift made on Giving Tuesday will be cherished by many. Those you could help include families in need of affordable child care; children who can't swim; teenagers who want to develop leadership skills in Youth & Government; and isolated seniors in need of community. You can make an immediate impact in so many lives with a gift to the YMCA. On Giving Tuesday, please make a gift or make a pledge for the 2020 Annual Campaign: https://www.ymcasuperiorcal.org/GivingTuesday2019

A message from Sharna Braucks, President & CEO, YMCA of Superior California

BIG THANKS to Safeway Markets customers and Safeway Foundation! We’re grateful that they chose the YMCA to receive a $50,000 grant from its recent Hunger Is fundraiser to fight childhood hunger. The grant will help ensure that all children receive the nutritious meals they need to thrive and fill the summertime gap.