Hogan Family YMCA launches Family Pathways program
MADISON – Heart of the Valley YMCA has launched a new program to assist the community’s families with young children who are four to 12 years old.
The Family Pathways program will improve facilities and expand family engagement opportunities at both Hogan Family YMCA in Madison and Southeast Family YMCA in Huntsville.
With Family Pathways, the traditional watch care program for preschool children at both facilities will be rebranded as “Stay & Play.” Updated toys and books will be available.
Hogan Family YMCA also plans to purchase bounce houses and carnival kits to support Family Fun Nights and other activities, along with adding a “ninja” outdoor playground for older children.
Long-time YMCA donors John and Ona Hamilton of Madison made a significant gift to support the new program. John Hamilton, a retired Army officer and business leader, is a former chairman of the YMCA Board of Directors. He played a key role in founding the Hogan Family YMCA, which was named in honor of his two business partners who were killed in a tragic plane crash.
“I am excited about the new leadership and initiatives underway at our YMCA Association. Ona and I support the Y because of its focus on families, particularly our children,” Hamilton said.
“Growing up in a small town in North Carolina, I spent countless hours at the Y with my friends and family. It is where I learned to swim, tumble, play basketball and dance with a young lady,” Hamilton said. “When I was at the Y, my parents never worried, knowing I was safe and involved in healthy activities.”
“This milestone marks a new pace for today’s Heart of the Valley YMCA,” Rob Gray said. Gray is President and CEO of Heart of the Valley YMCA. “The Family Pathways program represents the Y’s continued commitment to nurturing children, supporting parents and helping families thrive.”
“We are deeply grateful to the Hamiltons and our many other community supporters. Their generosity allows us to advance our mission of building a healthy spirit, mind and body for all,” Gray said. “It reminds us that the YMCA’s impact, now in its 115th year serving this community, is still growing stronger. This is just the beginning of our comeback story.”
To donate to support Family Pathways or learn more about Heart of the Valley YMCA’s programs and community impact initiatives, visit ymcahuntsville. org/DONATE.
For more information, visit Facebook/Hogan Family YMCA.
