Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Coming together was just the beginning, keeping together was progress, and working together has been a huge success. The Greater Naples YMCA, located at 5450 YMCA Road, is reaching out to thank the community for the outpouring of support the non-profit organization has received since a lightning strike caused a devastating fire on Monday, September 2, 2013.
The Greater Naples YMCA has reopened, just about two months after a fire forced it to close. The building was badly burned in the Labor Day blaze. But with the help of a very determined and very giving community, it’s back in business. A local community is more than just a group of people living in a particular area. A community is a group of people we often lean on when times are tough, our friends, family, and neighbors, local businesses who are there for us when we need love, support and encouragement and financial help to rebuild.Collier county was no exception.
This show of local community support could not have been more prevalent than it was when the Greater Naples YMCA needed their community most. They received generous donations from many of the local businesses that have supported what the mission of the YMCA has always been about . That being their focus on being committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
It’s been a good test of the community, and the people that care about the YMCA and what they represent, they were able to pull it together and always looked forward never back from the very day the fire started.
The YMCA has completed construction of the 1st phase. A newly renovated pool, fitness center and the tennis courts are all open along with all programs, spinning and group wellness classes.
They are currently working on phase 2, the Healthy Living Center Campus which will open September 2014.
Tara Chapin, is the Marketing Director at the YMCA. “With the rebuild we now have the ability to serve more individuals and families of collier county and prescribe more programming options to what our community wants and needs are “Chapin said.” “The YMCA has been serving the community for nearly 50 years and now it is time to build a Holistic approach to healthy living and have the entire family benefit from this campus. We will have healthy programming for all ages from birth to the end of life.” “Think of us as a one stop shop” Chapin said, whether your wanting to grab a healthy smoothie, get a workout in or perhaps join an organized sport we offer it all.
Beth Jameson was recently hired as the new Wellness Director she has a background in medial wellness and she is looking forward to sharing her passion for health and wellness. Jameson said “ we are going to live in our bodies for 100 years, so it is important to take care of them.”
The YMCA offers kids an introduction to the team sports experience in a noncompetitive environment that’s focused on self-confidence, teamwork and fun. Parents are encouraged to be more than mere spectators by contributing their time as volunteer coaches, team parents and officials as well as being their kid’s greatest fan. basketball , martial arts, soccer, t-ball, volleyball, football to name a few of the sports that are offered to youth and teens at the YMCA.
After school programs at the Y are more than a safe place for your child. Our program nurtures a child’s potential, ensuring the development of healthy, trusting relationships that build confidence and character. Available for children in grades K-5, all of our afterschool programs provide a range of activities.
The YMCA is an option for adults seeking a healthier lifestyle through increased physical activity, unique educational opportunities and enriching social engagement. Work with one of our certified personal trainers to start attaining your personal best! Your trainer will guide you through a fitness assessment, and then help you set your own fitness goals.
The YMCA is and always will be dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities. Every day their impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good. The YMCA is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Every day, the YMCA works side-by-side with their neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
After the fire the YMCA was in a position they were not used to being in. It was the YMCA that was in need of their communities help. The YMCA has always been community centered. For nearly 160 years, they have been listening and responding to their communities. This past year it was time or the community to listen and respond to the YMCA cries for help to rebuild and listen they did.
A lightning strike may have been the cause of the fire but it appears a lightning bolt also struck a close knit community into action to rebuild and expand their YMCA as a team. The phrase “it takes a village” sure came into the equation. Sometimes in life we tend to take certain things, people and places for granted. The YMCA was and still is a gathering place for the entire community for all ages. There was no hesitation when it came time to start the rebuilding process. Everyone’s efforts have come full circle the beloved Greater Naples YMCA is back and has personally felt loss and overcome the obstacles through the support of the local community. The YMCA’s backbone has always been about the community. Their doors will continue to be truly open to all today, tomorrow and for the next 100 years.
Later this month join us for a fun and energetic fundraising event to help rebuild the Greater Naples YMCA.
Sneaker Ball 2014
February 21, 2014 | 6:30pm |
7100 Davis Blvd, Naples, FL, 34104
Dress as you like from casual to formal, and let your feet do the talking. All footwear is allowed, but sneakers rule the night.
Enjoy a full dinner and bar provided by
Artichoke & Company and Quantem Aviation, and dance your sneakers off to the sounds of the Robert Williamson Band.
*To help assist in the rebuilding, you can donate online at greaternaplesymca.org or at any First National Bank of the Gulf Coast.