Throughout the remaining weeks of December, the YMCA of the Chesapeake will collect bottled water at all 11 of its locations across the Eastern Shore to support those affected by the devastating and deadly tornadoes in Kentucky. The YMCA is partnering with 50K Souls, a network of Churches/Organizations committed to bringing deliverance, restoration, inspiration, victory and encouragement to communities locally, nationally and globally.

“This partnership with 50K Souls is one of many ways our mission work continues throughout the year,” said Robbie Gill, YMCA of the Chesapeake CEO. “We’re working directly with YMCAs across Kentucky to ensure water is distributed to communities impacted by the storms. I hope our friends and neighbors will consider purchasing cases of water and dropping them off at Y locations across the Eastern Shore between December 17th – 31st.”

Cases of bottled water can be dropped off at any of the following locations across the Eastern Shore during operating hours:

Caroline County Family YMCA
46 Denton Plaza
Denton, MD 21629

Cecil County Family YMCA
25 YMCA Boulevard
Elkton, MD 21921

David Landsberger Family YMCA
6395 Maddox Blvd
Chincoteague, VA 23336

Easton Family YMCA
202 Peachblosson Road
Easton, MD 21601

Easton Family YMCA @ Washington St.
1180 S Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601

Kent County Family YMCA
800 High Street
Chestertown, MD 21620

Lower Shore Family YMCA
1900 Worcester Hwy
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Pauline F. and W. David Robbins Family YMCA (Cambridge)
201 Talbot Ave
Cambridge, MD 21613

Perkins Family YMCA and Bay Hundred Senior Center (St. Michaels)
300 Seymour Ave
St. Michaels, MD 21663

Queen Anne’s Family YMCA
123 Coursevall Dr
Centreville, MD 21617

Richard A. Henson Family YMCA
715 S Schumaker Dr
Salisbury, MD 21804

About the YMCA of the Chesapeake

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and the largest Human Service organization on the Eastern Shore; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Shore, Ys engage 40,000 members and their families, regardless of age, income or background, to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the Shore’s health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of the Chesapeake operates facilities in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot, Queen Anne’s and Wicomico Counties in Maryland and on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. Last year, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $1,750,000 in assistance to over 16,000 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. Additionally, the Y spent $200,000 on outreach efforts and programming in the communities it serves.

Last month, the YMCA of the Chesapeake launched its 2021 Annual Campaign at all eleven of its locations across Delmarva. Funds raised through the Annual Campaign support the organization’s programs and operations and ensure that no one is turned away due to inability to pay.

The YMCA has set the ambitious goal of raising $777,525 through this year’s fundraising effort that continues through the end of the year. Donations may be made to support the initiatives of a specific branch or designated towards the YMCA’s greatest need.

“We cannot thank our donors enough for their continued support,” said Robbie Gill, CEO of the YMCA of the Chesapake. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors we have been able to provide more than 50,000 meals to children and families in our communities, provide child care for essential workers, launch virtual fitness classes, and create a safe space for children to learn while schools operated remotely. None of this would have been possible without a successful annual campaign.”

Over the past year, funds raised through the YMCA’s Annual Campaign supported:

• Local Food Drives
• Youth Sports
• Enhanced Fitness (an exercise program for seniors)
• Livestrong (a program for adult cancer survivors)
• Rock Steady (a program for those battling Parkinson’s disease)
• Child Care
• Swim Lessons
• Mentoring Programs
• Before and After Care
• The Open Doors Program that ensures that no one is turned away from a YMCA membership or YMCA programs and services due to inability to pay

Individuals are encouraged to donate online by visiting www.ymcachesapeake.org/give/giving.

About the YMCA of the Chesapeake
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and the largest Human Service organization on the Eastern Shore; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Shore, Ys engage 40,000 members and their families, regardless of age, income or background, to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the Shore’s health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of the Chesapeake operates facilities in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot, Queen Anne’s and Wicomico Counties in Maryland and on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. Last year, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $1,750,000 in assistance to over 16,000 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. Additionally, the Y spent $200,000 on outreach efforts and programming in the communities it serves.  

The YMCA of the Chesapeake will host a membership drive throughout the month of September and waive the $70 joining fee at all of its eleven locations on the Eastern Shore.

“With the start of a new school year, September is a great time to join, or rejoin, the Y and make a commitment to yourself, your family and your community,” said Jennifer Gill, YMCA of the Chespeake’s Chief Operating Officer. “The Y is more than a fitness center, more than a pool, and more than a meeting space. It is a supportive community inspiring people of all ages, abilities and incomes to live healthier in mind, body and spirit.”

YMCA memberships not only provide access to a facility, but also support programs that strengthen our communities, support the organization’s programs and operations and ensure that no one is turned away from due to inability to pay.

YMCA of the Chesapeake memberships include access to all eleven YMCA of the Chesapeake locations from Elkton to Chincoteague as well as all Ys in Maryland and participating Ys across the Country. Members also benefit from more than 300 land and water fitness classes, free “stay and play” childcare while they work out and discounts on youth sports, swim lessons, day camps and other enrichment programs.

Through the Y’s Open Doors Program, no individual or family is turned away due to financial hardship, and membership fees can be reduced for those who qualify. The Open Doors Program is made possible through the generosity of members, volunteers and community donors through the Annual Campaign.

“As we continue to navigate the latest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are dedicated to providing safe spaces for all members to reestablish a sense of connection, which we know is critical to the health and stability of individuals and our communities,” said Gill.

To learn more about joining the YMCA of the Chesapeake, visit www.ymcachesapeake.org/membership or stop by a local branch. Branch locations are available at www.ymcachesapeake.org/locations.

About the YMCA of the Chesapeake
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and the largest Human Service organization on the Eastern Shore; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Shore, Ys engage 40,000 members and their families, regardless of age, income or background, to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the Shore’s health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of the Chesapeake operates facilities in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Talbot, Queen Anne’s and Wicomico Counties in Maryland and on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. Last year, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $1,750,000 in assistance to over 16,000 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. Additionally, the Y spent $200,000 on outreach efforts and programming in the communities it serves.

On Wednesday, June 30^th, the YMCA of the Chesapeake joined with local leaders and community stakeholders to break ground on the new Queen Anne’s County YMCA/Senior Center in Centreville.

“This is a moment sixteen years in the making,” said Robbie Gill, YMCA of the Chesapeake CEO. “The opening of a full-facility YMCA in Queen Anne’s County will be a transformative moment for the community; providing space and resources that will meet critical needs for years to come.”

Photo: State and local representatives joined the YMCA of the Chesapeake for the ground breaking of the new Queen Anne’s County Family YMCA in Centreville on June 30th. From left: Robbie Gill, Queen Anne’s County Commissioner Steven Wilson, Delegate Jay Jacobs, Delegate Steven Arentz, Senator Addie Eckardt, Queen Anne’s County Commissioner Christopher Corchiarino, Centreville Town Council Member Jeffrey Kiel, Centreville Town Council President Tim McClusky, Queen Anne’s County Commissioner Jack Wilson, Maryland Secretary of Aging Rona Krama and Queen Anne’s County Commissioner James Moran.

The new $15 million, 49,000 square foot facility will be located across Route 304 (Ruthsburg Road) from Queen Anne’s County High School and next to the new Queen Anne’s County Government complex. It is expected to serve more than 10,000 community members. It will include a six-lane indoor pool, wellness center, full-size gymnasium, multi-purpose spaces for programs and group-exercise classes, Stay and Play, kitchen, outdoor pool and pavilion, senior center offices, and a small business/community development center. The new facility is slated to open in 2023.

Photo: Members from Boy Scout Troup 464 and American Heritage Girls Troop 0414 joined the YMCA of the Chesapeake for the groundbreaking of the new Queen Anne’s County Family YMCA in Centreville. They are two of many youth and community organizations that will benefit from the new facility and its programming.

“Not only is the facility itself exciting, but it’s dual purpose as a Y and senior center, combined with its central location near the high school and county services creates unique and exciting programming opportunities to strengthen our community,” continued Gill.

The YMCA has worked in Queen Anne’s County for over two decades, initially providing summer aquatics programs at Chesapeake College, then working with Queen Anne’s County and Chesapeake College in 2011/2012 to keep the indoor pool open for community members.

Queen Anne’s County donated land in November 2015 for a future home for the YMCA, and in December 2016, the YMCA opened a store-front facility in Centreville, Maryland that currently serves 2,800 members and provides a variety of youth and adult programs.

While operating the existing location, the YMCA has been successfully raising funds for the new facility. In May 2020, the YMCA received a $5 million matching grant from the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation and earlier this year received $565,000 in the State’s FY22 Capital Budget. To date, the YMCA has raised $10.826 million which is 72% of the $15 million goal.

The groundbreaking marks the beginning of the community phase of the Queen Anne’s County Family YMCA/Senior Center Capital Campaign. To contribute and learn more, please contact Heather Moore at [email protected].

About the YMCA of the Chesapeake
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and the largest Human Service organization on the Eastern Shore; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Shore, Ys engage 40,000 members and their families, regardless of age, income or background, to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the Shore’s health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of the Chesapeake operates facilities in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot, Queen Anne’s and Wicomico Counties in Maryland and on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. Last year, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $1,750,000 in assistance to over 16,000 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. Additionally, the Y spent $200,000 on outreach efforts and programming in the communities it serves.  

The YMCA of the Chesapeake is proud to host Rock Steady Boxing at the Easton Family YMCA at Washington to support residents of the Mid-Shore with Parkinson’s disease.

“April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and I encourage anyone in our community who is fighting back against this terrible disease to learn more about Rock Steady Boxing,” said Wendy Palmer, Associate Executive Director and Rock Steady Instructor. “We are a close community that is dedicated to helping each other knock out Parkinson’s and look forward to welcoming newcomers. This program is free of charge through donations to the YMCA’s annual campaign. Without the generosity of our donors, we wouldn’t be able to offer these life-changing programs to our members and communities.”

Rock Steady Boxing is a national, non-profit organization that gives people with Parkinson’s disease hope by improving their quality of life through a non-contact, boxing-based fitness curriculum. Over the past three years, the YMCA of the Chesapeake has partnered with Lyn Strzempka-Sutton, leader of Rock Steady Boxing-Mid Shore, to host classes twice a week at the Easton Family YMCA at Washington.

Since starting its first class three years, ago Rock Steady at the Y has grown from four boxers to more than fifteen per class. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rock Steady Boxing has continued virtually twice a week on Zoom.

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative movement disorder which can cause deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function. The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates there are more than 1 million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and more than 60,000 people are diagnosed each year.

Since the 1980s, research has supported the notion that rigorous exercise, emphasizing gross motor movement, balance, core strength and rhythm, may be “neuro-productive,” meaning that it can help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The Rock Steady fitness curriculum puts this research into practice through adapted boxing drills that condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength. Rock Steady is designed fit the needs of men and women of all ages and at all stages of the disease, from those first diagnosed to those who are living with more advanced symptoms.

Roger Eareckson of Trappe, Md. is one of the original four YMCA Rock Steady Boxers and has found the program helpful in managing his progressing symptoms.

“Three years ago, ’The Fearless Foursome’ began the fight for our lives, trying to keep what we still had and surrender as little as possible to our collective foe – Parkinson’s,” said Eareckson. “My class now has some fifteen boxers and more keep coming, even with the pandemic limiting our class structure in the ZOOM boxing ring. We work hard to get the better of this disease, even if only for a short time in class.”

He offers the following advice to anyone who has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

“As soon as your Neurologist/Movement Specialist diagnoses you with Parkinson’s, get enrolled in a prescriptive exercise program, targeted to address PD while your symptoms are less severe than they will become. Participating in a group program like Rock Steady provides camaraderie where we push each other to do our best under the trained, watchful eyes of an instructor dedicated to helping us improve what we can and maintain what we have. We never quit, stay focused and punch out Parkinson’s.”

To register for Rock Steady Boxing at the YMCA, email Wendy Palmer at [email protected].

For more information concerning Parkinson’s disease, contact the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org and 1-800-4PD-INFO, or the Maryland Association for Parkinson Support at www.marylandparkinsonsupport.org and 443-470-0279.

About the YMCA of the Chesapeake
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and the largest Human Service organization on the Eastern Shore; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Shore, Ys engage 40,000 members and their families, regardless of age, income or background, to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the Shore’s health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of the Chesapeake operates facilities in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot, Queen Anne’s and Wicomico Counties in Maryland and on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. Last year, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $1,290,000 in assistance to over 16,000 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. Additionally, the Y spent $200,000 on outreach efforts and programming in the communities it serves.  

The YMCA of the Chesapeake announces the return of its youth summer programs in 2021 at its Elkton, Chestertown, Centreville, Easton, Cambridge, Salisbury and Pocomoke City branches. Registration is now open on the YMCA of the Chesapeake website, and camp registration fees are waived through April 30^th.

With guidance from Y-USA, the American Camping Association and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Y has adapted its summer camp programs to include COVID-19 safety precautions that include lowering the staff to camper ratio, social distancing, frequent handwashing and enhanced sanitation practices.

“Summer will look different for many of us this year and families will seek socialization at a safe distance in more ways than before as a result of how COVID-19 has changed our world,” said Robbie Gill, YMCA of the Chesapeake CEO. “Campers can have fun while staying safe. Despite the new precautions, our goal remains to provide an unforgettable summer where our community’s youth can unplug and grow during summer camp.”

YMCA summer camps are available for preschoolers, school-age children and teens. The Y offers a wide variety of programs ranging from athletics and arts to zip lines and canoeing to give children the opportunity to follow their passion or try something new.

For more information about specific camp programs at YMCA of the Chesapeake branches and to register, visit www.ymcachesapeake.org/programs/camps/day-camp.

About the YMCA of the Chesapeake
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and the largest Human Service organization on the Eastern Shore; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Shore, Ys engage 40,000 members and their families, regardless of age, income or background, to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the Shore’s health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of the Chesapeake operates facilities in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot, Queen Anne’s and Wicomico Counties in Maryland and on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. Last year, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $1,290,000 in assistance to over 16,000 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. Additionally, the Y spent $200,000 on outreach efforts and programming in the communities it serves.  

The YMCA of the Chesapeake is participating in the Five Days of Action, October 26-30, 2020. The Five Days of Action is a week designed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse.

The YMCA of the Chesapeake encourages adults and organizations in the community to play a vital role in making the Eastern Shore a safer place for children, especially during this ever-changing environment. As our communities continue to press pause and participate in social distancing, we know that protecting kids looks different this year. Not only is our community dealing with a pandemic that is separating kids in need from the safe adults in their lives, but there are spikes in domestic violence, cries for social justice for Black lives, and more concerns about the mental health of youth and adults.

Five Days of Action will help communities and parents/caregivers take it One Day at a Time and will offer tips, tools, activities, and resources that are relevant to the current environment.

When adults know how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and respond quickly to prevent abuse, they foster a culture of child abuse prevention. Together, we can bring awareness to the issue of child sexual abuse in our communities and have important conversations around how we can all work together to prevent it from happening.

“Protecting children from sexual abuse must be the number one goal of every person who cares about the health and well-being of kids,” said Jennifer Gill, YMCA of the Chesapeake Vice President of Member Experience. “Together, we can stand up to demand that children are protected and encourage adults to make it happen in our community. It takes all of us.”

The YMCA of the Chesapeake, with support from the YMCA Guardians for Child Protection, YMCA of the USA, Darkness to Light, the Redwoods Group Foundation, and Praesidium have made materials available to help adults learn more about preventing child sexual abuse.

For more information about preventing child sexual abuse visit www.fivedaysofaction.org.

Materials are derived from YMCA of the USA’s “Know. See. Respond.” copyrighted in 2020.

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE STATISTICS – PROVIDED BY DARKNESS TO LIGHT

• One in ten children will be sexually abused before their 18^th
• 90% of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser.
• Approximately 30% of children who are sexually abused are abused by family members.
• 60% of child sexual abuse victims never tell anyone.
• False reports are rare. Research shows that only 4 to 8% of child sexual abuse reports are fabricated.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU BELIEVE A CHILD IS BEING ABUSED – PROVIDED BY DARKNESS TO LIGHT

• You do not need to have proof that abuse is occurring to make a report, only reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that you have witnessed maltreatment or boundary violations, either in the child or adult, or both. Or, you have received a disclosure from a child about abuse, neglect, or boundary violations towards them.
• Child sexual abuse reports should be made to the police and/or state child protective services.
• Contact the Darkness to Light Helpline at 866-FOR-LIGHT or text LIGHT to 741741 to have questions answered by trained counselors at no charge.

About the YMCA of the Chesapeake
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and the largest Human Service organization on the Eastern Shore; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Shore, Ys engage 40,000 members and their families, regardless of age, income or background, to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the Shore’s health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of the Chesapeake operates facilities in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Talbot, Queen Anne’s and Wicomico Counties in Maryland and on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. Last year, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $1,750,000 in assistance to over 16,000 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. Additionally, the Y spent $200,000 on outreach efforts and programming in the communities it serves.  

About Darkness to Light

Darkness to Light is a nonprofit organization with the mission to empower adults to prevent child sexual abuse through awareness, education, and stigma reduction. Darkness to Light’s flagship program, Stewards of Children®, is an evidence-informed, award-winning training that teaches adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. More than 1.9 million adults have been trained using Darkness to Light trainings. For more information, visit www.D2L.org.

About Redwoods Group Foundation

The Redwoods Group Foundation supports programs that can change the world and helps them reach more people than ever before, through funding and backbone support. We currently focus on child sexual abuse prevention, drowning prevention, and growing the field of social entrepreneurship. For more information, visit www.redwoodsgroup.com/about-us/redwoods-group-foundation.

About Praesidium

Praesidium specializes in preventing sexual abuse in organizations that serve youth and vulnerable adults. Over a period in excess of 25 years, the company has reviewed over 4,000 cases of abuse within organizations to determine the root causes of sexual abuse within organizational settings. Praesidium employs more than 40 staff, including licensed social workers, lawyers, psychologists, health care researchers, and other experts. The company has served over 5,000 clients with a broad range of products and services to aid organizations in preventing abuse, including online and instructor‐led trainings; organizational risk assessments; model policies and incident investigations. Having trained more than one million people online and hundreds of thousands in person, Praesidium is the largest and most comprehensive sexual abuse risk management firm globally.