Executive Director’s Notes

The mission of the YMCA is "To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all!" Each and every one of you are so vitally important for us in reaching this mission. Whether by volunteering, giving or using the Y in whatever the capacity, it all leads us back to the mission. I believe we bring people together. Let me encourage you to consider the YMCA as your social outlet, part of your health improvement plan, or your family bonding time. We are happy to help. When you are part of the YMCA, you will find all kinds of great programs for kids, teens, active older adults, and families. We so want you to feel good about yourself in spirit, mind and body.

One way you’ll be able to help us reach our mission is by supporting us financially. The Newton YMCA is in the midst of launching another year of raising money to help those in need of financial assistance for membership, childcare and Y programming. After many year’s of calling the drive "The Newton YMCA’s Scholarship Fund," we are changing the name. We have found some confusion with the title "scholarship" as many perceive this as more of a college scholarship rather than offering financial assistance. For 2011, we are proud to be rolling out a new name for the drive — Partner with Youth Campaign. The name change truly shares the mission of the drive. We are partnering with individuals, who can give funds to assist those who can’t afford memberships, childcare and/or programs at the Y. The financial assistance made through generous contributions will give access to all individuals and allow them to enjoy the same opportunities that many take for granted. Please consider making a gift to help with this great cause. The goal for 2011 is $55,000. This fund raiser along with money from the United Way of Jasper County help us to not turn away anyone because of an inability to pay.

Not only are we rolling out the new name for Partner With Youth, we also are in the process of updating our YMCA Childcare Playground to the east of the main Y building. The playground remodeling will include removal of all existing equipment and then we will be adding a large play piece, swings, a nature area, and much more for kids of all ages to enjoy. These improvements are made possible thanks to the generosity of Nancy Shaw and her husband, the late EK Shaw.

I also am very excited to let you know that we are in the process of redesigning our web site. It is set to launch on June 1. The new site will be more user-friendly and will include an updated look, a calendar of events, more photos and videos, opportunities for member interaction AND online registration. Hopefully this will make your YMCA registration experience more enjoyable and much more convenient.

While we are excited about many positive things happening at the Y, I am sad to say that we will be closing Aces Teen Club for the summer starting Monday, June 6. The closure is because we just are having a very hard time making it financially and the attendance numbers during the summer are very low. We will continue to provide teen programming but it will be outside of Aces’ walls. See the Teen Activities listing on page 7 in our activities guide for details. During the closure, the YMCA Board of Directors will be taking the summer to address the future of Aces Teen Club.

As the Y faces many new changes and challenges, we want to take a moment to continue to thank you for your continued support through membership and patronage of the Newton YMCA and our programs. Without your support we simply couldn’t do the great things we strive to do in the Newton and Jasper County communities.

I hope you have a great summer!

Lord Bless,

Tom Vanderlaan

Executive Director