YMCA of Greater Birmingham

"After I was diagnosed, it was very hard to find a place to go where I felt like I was comfortable doing exercise.?When I walk in this room with all these people that were so wonderful, the most wonderful people in the world, I felt like I was home." - Shara White, Defeat PD participant. When you give to the YMCA, you are helping those living with Parkinson's opportunities to improve well-being and build community.?Defeat PD and PD Support Groups are changing lives in our community, and it's in large part thanks to our donors. ymcabham.org/give Find your reason to give. #FindYourY

The physical, emotional, and financial toll of cancer doesn’t just disappear when treatment ends. That’s why we started LiveStrong, a program desinged specifically for survivors! Margie, a participant in one of our first LiveStrong sessions is on a journey to recovery, and we are honored to be a part of it. "In the early stages of my treatment, a friend told me about LiveStrong at the Y. I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do," Margie says, who began the program in October 2024, just three weeks after finishing her last treatment. Margie emphasized the program's focus on what you CAN do, not what you can not do. "The (specialized) trainers gave me the tools to get through those 10 weeks, and more importantly, set me on a path to full recovery. I am so grateful to the Y and their staff for all they’ve done to help me and so many other cancer survivors on our journeys." Margie shares. With the support of LiveStrong at the Y, cancer survivors like Margie find strength, hope, and empowerment, one step at a time. #FindYourY

As we embark on the community phase of our Annual Giving Campaign, we are spotlighting some of the staff and volunteers who bring the Y’s key mission-driven initiatives to life! Teen Leaders Club is one of those programs and Scarlett D. has been pivotal in its growth! “I had the privilege of being part of its growth, and it holds a special place in my heart. It’s such a strong and inspiring group of teens,” she shares. Scarlett takes on a variety of other roles, too, from Lifeguard to Health Coach, Summer Day Camps Leader, and Personal Trainer. She is all about making connections and creating a positive environment wherever she goes. “I love the staff I get to work with and the people I get to meet and engage with every shift. It makes every day exciting! One of my proudest moments was growing the Y Leaders program and creating an environment where our teens are excited to be a part of something meaningful.” #MeetOurYStaff #FindYourY

Thank you to our special guest readers at the Downtown Youth Center who visited to read to our kiddos! #ReadAcrossAmerica

#ForABetterUs

When you give to the YMCA, you are giving kids an opportunity to learn potentially life-saving swimming skills.?Safety Around Water is a free program that teaches kids what to do in the event of a water emergency, and basic swim instruction. ymcabham.org/give Find your reason to give. #FindYourY

The Hoover Y has been home to the Mujeres Ayudando Mujeras (Women Helping Women) group for a couple years. Branch and MaM leaders knew the Y was positioned to foster a stronger community and expand health and wellness opportunities for all, including our thriving Hispanic community. Because of this partnership, the Y is now so much more than a meeting space. The branch now offers Mujeres Y Pesas (Women on Weights). The class is taught in Spanish, making fitness more accessible for those who speak English as a second language. ? Más fuertes juntos en la Y!

Our community entrusts us with their most precious family members, and we take that responsibility seriously! Our recently-achieved Praesidium Accreditation? is a prestigious honor that publicly demonstrates that we uphold the highest industry standards in child abuse prevention.

We are preparing the next generation to lead with kindness and courage! Our Y Teen Leaders participated in a meaningful discussion with Jude Dooley, Chief Operating Officer at the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, about what it means to be a great leader. Our Y Leaders shared their perspective and shared insight about the sense of belonging cultivated in the Leaders Club. We look forward to growing this program and giving this next generation more opportunities to grow and develop professionally! Patrick Kelly, Joy Mann, Kristin Harris, Rhonda Elmore, Scott Monnett

?? Partnership Alert + Chance to Support the Y! In conjunction with the BCBSAL Kids Marathon, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama will host a charity fundraising 5K to promote active lifestyle habits and celebrate a dedication to community giving. The YMCA of Greater Birmingham is proud to be an official race charity and we are seeking runners and walkers to raise funds on our behalf. The event is Saturday, 2/22 beginning at 8AM! This isn't just a 5K, but rather a community event complete with food trucks, mascots, and a Superhero theme! See event details and registration at www.bcbsal5k.com. Will you support the Y?