YMCA adapts to help residents during pandemic

MADISON COUNTY – During the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Heart of the YMCA is adapting to help residents and Y members alike.

“For over 110 years, the YMCA has served our city, county and region adapting to ever changing needs. Today, the needs in our community are urgent during this unprecedented time of crisis,” Jerry Courtney said. Courtney is President/CEO of Heart of the Valley YMCA.

The YMCA continues to make a positive impact:

* Child care — First responders, health care workers and other essential employees are receiving vital services for child care from the YMCA. Essential workers “are selflessly serving our family members, relatives, friends and neighbors,” Courtney said.

* Senior citizens — YMCA staff members have completed more than 1,100 calls to seniors, with the number growing daily. “We’re just checking in to have a conversation, so they don’t feel so isolated. In some cases, staff have gone grocery shopping for our seniors,” Courtney said.

* Food – Employees are distributing food boxes to low-income families weekly at the YMCA Downtown Early Childhood Education Center with assistance from the Food Bank of North Alabama.

* Online options — The YMCA is offering resources for residents’ well-being, including online classes and enriching resources for all ages.

Many residents and YMCA members have asked what they can do to help. Courtney cited two immediate ways:

* “Stay with us” — Continue to support the YMCA mission. “Unless you have contacted your branch YMCA and requested otherwise, your membership is active and scheduled for normal payment processing. Please consider continuing your membership as a sustaining partner in our mission and cause,” Courtney said.

YMCA employees will designate a member’s dues during this time of crisis as a donation and convert it into a much-needed contribution. For membership options and contact information, visit ymcahuntsville.org/staywithus.

* Direct donations — Visit ymcahuntsville.org/GIVE to donate online. “Now, more than ever, we need you to stay with us so we can continue to provide much-needed services to our community and to ensure the long-term viability of our YMCA,” Courtney said.

During this time, YMCA employees are answering branch phones Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Heart of the Valley YMCA’s office address is 120 Holmes Ave., Suite 300 in Huntsville. In Madison, Hogan Family YMCA’s address is 130 Park Square Lane. For more information, visit ymcahuntsville.org.