In partnership with Boeing, the Seattle Sounders established “Change Champions,” an initiative that highlights local organizations and the impact they have in their communities.
Prior to the Aug. 24 match against Sporting Kansas City, the club honored the YMCA of Snohomish County, a cause-driven nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
“Our Y programs nurture potential, strengthen families, promote wellness, and foster belonging," said SVP & Chief Development Officer Jennifer Willows. "We welcome all people, from every background and life stage, to be part of a stronger, more connected community."
The YMCA of Snohomish County is among the top 20 employers in the county. With the help of its 1100 staff members and 4000 yearly volunteers, this YMCA location is able to put their Y mission into action. Whether they serve as youth sports coaches, or policy volunteers serving on the board to guide the work that the organization implements, the Snohomish County community comes together to ensure equitable access for all in the different initiatives provided by the YMCA.
“We have a deliberate continuum of programs and services that help people do life. From Parent/Child swim lessons and early childhood education to school age child care, teen programs, young adult leadership and adult fitness, the Y is here to support health, wellness and community connection through all stages of life," said Willows. "There is never a reason that one has to leave the Y — it is there for the whole continuum of life in very thoughtful, purposeful programs.”
The YMCA of Snohomish County offers a wide variety of over 50 program options to include aquatics, youth sports, childcare, teen leadership development and more. Their programs extend to overnight and day camps for youth, family and seniors as well as community events.
The non-profit impacts the community in many powerful ways. But it is the focus area of youth development that is considered the “foundation of the YMCA,” according to Willows.
When the Y was founded in Snohomish County 125 years ago, it was to address young people coming to the city from the farmlands, serving as a guide toward a flourishing life. Today, a core part of that is still integrated through the YMCA’s inclusion of adult mentors in its sports teams or programs to help youth participants be “connected and successful,” said Willows.
“From a big picture that continues to be at the heart of the YMCA work, building the next generation of leaders is centric to all that we do,” she added.
The YMCA is a safe space where everyone is welcome. It is a place where community is built, mental and physical health are supported, and the commitment of altruism is emphasized. To aid in the YMCA of Snohomish County’s mission, Sounders fans can make a charitable donation, volunteer, or be an advocate for the YMCA by sharing to others what the nonprofit has to offer.
For more information on the YMCA of Snohomish County, click HERE.
