According to YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Board Chair Jill Magnuson,
“It has been an honor to represent the Dallas YMCA throughout the past few years. It’s been incredible seeing firsthand how our community has stepped up to help those in need. 2021 has been a year of change and adaptation. At the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, we have been focused on meeting the needs that are here in our communities throughout North Texas which in many cases, have been magnified by COVID, and that work will expand in 2022.
“The Catalyst Initiative was created early in the onset of the pandemic, providing free emergency childcare to families of essential workers, food distribution to low- income communities, supply distribution for necessary personal items and baby care, virtual learning opportunities for preschoolers and teens, blood drives and more. The YMCA has served more than 82,000 North Texans through this initiative, providing more than 357,000 pounds of produce, more than 92,000 meals, and serving thousands of students with school supplies and laptops. We will continue our work through the Catalyst Initiative in 2022 to meet the pressing needs of North Texans.
“In 2022, the YMCA will grow to serve more of our community. Last year, our Board of Directors approved a focus on renovating the Park South YMCA, renovating and expanding the Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff, providing funds for Mental Health and Safety Around Water programming, growing the Annual Campaign and raising funds for the long-term for the Y’s endowment. This will kick off in earnest in 2022.
“The YMCA will continue expanding our Safety Around Water program with a goal of eliminating childhood drowning in kids 4 and under in North Texas. Drowning is the second leading cause of death of preschoolers, second only to birth defects. That statistic, along with so many other sobering ones, have made us come together and say we must do something to reverse this trend.
“To learn more about the Dallas YMCA and how we’ve been able to help the community with your support, please visit www.ymcadallas.org/YEARINREVIEW.
“I ask that during the holiday season, you join us in the life-changing work we are doing in the neighborhoods in Dallas that need it the most by making the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas part of your charitable giving. You can learn more and make a donation by visiting www.ymcadallas.org/supportthey.”
* Photo provided by YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
