Letter from Sam Brooks, CEO Warren Coutny YMCA
“Hello again, to our Warren County YMCA membership, Program participants and community as a whole.
To say we are in unprecedented times may now be the biggest under statement ever…but the fact is, we certainly are.
We have wrestled with the decision to close our doors to our members and our community. It’s been a difficult decision because we feel a heavy responsibility to the thousands of people who count on us for their health journey, some of which are considered an absolute need for their everyday livelihood. In fact, I spoke with an elderly Y member today who thanked me for doing everything we have done to stay open because, as she put it, “people my age who don’t move sit around and die”. In response to this the YMCA is offering fitness information and written exercise programs that can be done in the home of any YMCA member age 60 years and older. We will deliver to your home or drop in the mail. We want to help you all maintain your fitness level that you have worked so hard to achieve. We are also planning to call our Senior Citizen YMCA members to see if we can serve them in any way. If we can pick up groceries, prescriptions, go to the laundry mat, or to simply talk we will do it. We also encourage ALL of our members to LIKE the Warren County YMCA Fitness Department Facebook page for at home exercises you can do until you’re able to get back to class.
We also have people who count on us for their socialization, in fact, sometimes the Y is their only true connection with people throughout their day. We have at risk kids who need the YMCA as a safe haven. Many kids come from terrible home lives and need the Y facilities and staff to provide that safe environment.
However, with all of that said, the YMCA has a Humanitarian responsibility to do their part in helping prevent the spread of this virus while flattening the curve. So, effective Wednesday, March 18 your Warren County YMCA will be closed until further notice. Now, what does “until further notice” mean? It means as soon as we are able to open back up, we will. Our plan is to open back up on March 30, but at this time it is unknown if we will actually be able to that or not.
Obviously, we would prefer for all of you to be at the Y enjoying your membership working out, playing basketball, taking a fitness class, hanging out with friends and getting to know our staff team.
Although the physical Y facility won’t be available to use for your membership, at this time we are asking you to stay with us as a Cause-Driven Member. This important to the continued health of your Warren County YMCA as we are still responding to the needs of the community.
For example, we will be offering school age childcare to our medical staff community and first responders. This is a critical program so that the people who need to help take care of us are able to do so while having their children in a safe program.
We are also looking for ways to help those who are unable to keep their jobs. My staff will also volunteer their time working with other organizations to make sure kids who have food insecurity are receiving proper nutrition.
This is why we are asking you to stay with us as YMCA members and continue to pay your membership dues. We realize this will not be possible for some of you and for those people, I invite you to contact the YMCA to find out what options you may have before you cancel your membership.
We understand your frustration in these crazy times. We are as equally frustrated and have family and friends to worry about as well.
We are in a time of history that now, more than ever, we need to come together for the good of your fellow human being. Please refrain from hate and blame. Instead, focus on how we can love and help each other through this pandemic. If you have an opportunity to help an individual or group, I encourage you to do so.
What am I, Sam Brooks going to do? I’m going to, first, stand strong in my faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ. I’m going to seek Him and rely on His peace which passes all understanding. I’m going to pray people turn to Jesus for peace and hope. I’m going to love my family, friends, community, country and world. I’m going to work hard at the Y during this time to make sure we are prepared to open again soon. I’m going to work hard to take care of our staff financially as they are in danger of losing jobs as this time continues. I’m going to work hard for Warren County so that the Y can help meet any needs that can and will arise.
In short, I’m going to love God with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind. I’m also going to love my neighbor as myself.
Peace and blessings to all of you and we’ll be seeing you soon!!”
Sam Brooks
CEO
