Letter - Y is affordable for everyone

To the editor:

I read the January 4 Echo Press article regarding Douglas County increasing occupancy costs for LAR and would like to set the record straight to a comment made by Commissioner Paul Anderson. Anderson stated that, “Not everyone can afford to enroll their family at the Y.” Allow me to provide a little education.

The Alexandria Area YMCA is approximately 5,800 members strong. Thousands of people also visit the YMCA each year as non-members, program participants and in our childcare center. Fifteen percent of our members receive financial assistance because they cannot afford to become members. The YMCA mission believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to become members or participate in programs, regardless of ability to pay.

In 2011, over 1,000 individuals received financial assistance at a subsidy that exceeded $240,000. In these struggling economic times, we have many families in need. All families should have access to affordable health and wellness and all children should learn how to swim (but there is much more that we offer!). Thanks to the support of our Strong Kids Campaign donors, we are able to fulfill our mission by providing membership and program services to those that need a helping hand.

The YMCA does not receive any state, county, city or township financial support. It relies on members and local businesses. Operating revenues are solely derived from membership income, program fees, annual giving support, special events and United Way support. We recently completed our first full year and financially, the YMCA is very strong.

The YMCA has become a critical factor in the quality of life for our residents and visitors and we could not be more pleased at our early success. We look forward to 2012 as we finalize plans for Phase II expansion. The YMCA is truly affordable for everyone.

Jeff Bartholomew, executive director,

Alexandria Area YMCA

Tags: opinion, letter