Community Spaces Tour: the West Suburban YMCA
Your name/role, and anything you’d like to share about your connections to Newton: Jane Carroll, Senior Director of Member Engagement and Wellness
Tell us about your organization - where is it located, when was it founded, what is your mission? The West Suburban YMCA is located at 276 Church Street in Newton Corner; right off the Mass Pike. It was founded in 1877 and is among the oldest YMCAs in the United States. Our mission is to strengthen the foundations of our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for all.
What programs do you offer? We offer a range of programs that serve individuals and families across the lifespan. The Y is unique because there is a place for everyone here! Programs include:
Fitness: Cardio Machines, Free Weights, Personal and Small Group Training, Group Exercise Classes, lap swimming, and open gym time
Instructional and team sports: basketball, soccer, t-ball, lacrosse, and more
Instructional and team aquatics: Lessons for all ages and safety-around-water community events
Summer camps: Camp Pikati at the Y, Camp Chickami in Wayland, and Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield
Childcare: Preschool, after school programs, and babysitting
Specialty programs: Creative arts, chronic disease prevention programs, adaptive sports and aquatics, and LiveStrong at the YMCA for cancer survivors
Summer Eats program: youth up to 18 can come to the Y Monday-Friday during the summer and receive a free lunch, even if they are not enrolled in our programs.
Do you offer scholarships, free programs, or other ways people can access financial support? No one is turned away from our YMCA due to an inability to pay. With funds raised through our Annual Campaign, we are able to offer financial assistance to all qualified applicants. We use a sliding scale based on household size and income to determine subsidies, and our simple process means that financial aid applicants can start participating right away. In 2021, over $400,000 in financial aid enabled hundreds of participants and members to grow and thrive at the Y.
Awards must be renewed annually and rates are subject to change. Annual memberships must have financial aid awards determined before beginning membership. Temporary memberships are not eligible for financial aid.
What is your favorite thing about the village/neighborhood near your building? I love that there are so many small businesses and restaurants within walking distance and the true sense of community.
How can people find out about programs or events? How do people stay in touch with your organization? People can find out about our programs and events by calling our Welcome Center, 617-244-6050, using our website www.wsymca.org; or following us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/westsuburbanymca
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