Archives:
Opening Announced for YMCA Anthony Bowen - 5/13
Help Give a Child the Summer of a Lifetime - 5/13
Re-Opening of YMCA Bowie - 3/13
Registration Now Open for Summer Camp 2013 - 2/13
Our Inspiring Annual Gala - 10/12
Celebrating 160 Years - 7/12
An NBA Player's YMCA Camp Experience - 6/12
Our New Board Chair, Rod Woodson - 5/12
Rebranding Our Community Support Fund - 4/12


Re-Opening of YMCA Anthony Bowen in U Street Community
May 2013

In July 2013, our friends and neighbors will be reintroduced to a historic landmark that has inspired hope and health for 160 years. The eclectic, cultural and vibrant U Street corridor has a new epicenter for well-being and connection at 14th & W Streets, NW. This redeveloped YMCA unites the right minds and resources for community interaction, education, healthy living, and our life-changing programs. The unique design will celebrate the legacy of YMCA Anthony Bowen as the first African American Y, founded in 1853, along with its ability to adapt and serve our community’s evolving needs.

To receive exclusive updates on YMCA Anthony Bowen's development, amenities and opening, sign up here.

Click here to join the YMCA Anthony Bowen Facebook community and learn more about U Street and its renovated landmark (that's us!).


Photo of construction site on 05/16/2013


SUMMER CAMP CHANGES EVERYTHING

Give a Child a Summer of Adventure, Fun and Possibility

Ah, Summer. A time for popsicles and sunny days, picnics and pool time, fireflies and late nights. It’s the time of year to make memories, and some of the best are made at YMCA summer camps. At Y camp, each day is packed with the perfect amount of character building, active learning and fun. Every child deserves an opportunity so rewarding and so good for their future. But, right here in our community, many families are struggling to find the resources to give their child this experience. Help send a kid to camp and you’ll give them the best summer ever.
Please visit our Donate page to lend a helping hand. You can also designate a specific branch if you would like your donation to go directly to kids in your community. Thank you for your generosity!


Re-Opening of YMCA Prince George's County-Bowie
March 2013
3501 Moylan Drive, Bowie, MD

It is with tremendous excitement that we announce the re-opening of YMCA Prince George’s County-Bowie! After much effort, we have finally been approved to resume services in our pre-school program as of March 11, 2013.

We are pleased to invite you back into our redeveloped facility where you will notice several enhancements - among them are shiny new floors, windows and ceilings. We have also expanded our staff to include a new Program Director, Mr. Laurence Nurse, who joins us with vast YMCA leadership experience. Lastly, we will be transitioning to a new early childhood curriculum model, HighReach Learning, for our infants and pre-schoolers. This model will provide hands-on, real life learning adventures and will assist our children in discovery through structured play.

On behalf of the entire team at YMCA Prince George’s County-Bowie, thank you for your unwavering support. The fire proved to be devastating in so many ways; however, your kindness and loyalty have helped us come out even stronger.


LET THE COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER 2013 BEGIN!
February 2013

A summer with the Y is all about tradition, friendships, learning and confidence

Registration for Summer Camp 2013 is now open!

The earlier you register, the more camp options you will have. We have programs for every interest... visit your branch news page for a Camp Guide and see for yourself!

Your child is sure to have the most memorable summer ever at Y!!



An Inspiring celebration at Our Annual Gala
October 2012

On October 23rd, over 300 Y staff, volunteers and community leaders commemorated our 160th anniversary at an inspiring Annual Celebration. The sights and sounds gave a modern take on history - from Abraham Lincoln on stilts and a photo montage of past Y experiences to school-aged kids singing their own version of the YMCA song. Before the dancing commenced, we honored 10 individuals and organizations for their impact on the communities we serve. Below are our 2012 honorees:

Volunteers of the Year:
*  Kathy Martin, YMCA Alexandria
*  Sonya Cooper-Turner, YMCA Capital View
*  Len Lucchi, YMCA Potomac Overlook

Philanthropist of the Year:
*  May Liang, YMCA Fairfax Co. Reston

Corporate Partners of the Year:
*  Congressional Bank
*  PNC Bank

Employees of the Year:
*  Emma Lipscomb, YMCA DC Youth & Government
*  Joe O'Conor, Properties & Facilities

And a special award from our CEO - the Voice of Courage Award:
*  Angela Alsobrooks, State's Attorney for Prince George's County, MD

Thank you to our honorees for selflessly giving their time, talent and treasures to the Y. We also announced our new planned giving society, the Hargrave Heritage Club. More information and members of our founding class, the Class of 2012, can be found here.


Can you imagine your city without wholesome activities?
For 160 Years, the Y's Been There to Help
July 2012

Imagine Washington, DC in 1852. There were 40,000 residents and only 30 police officers. The city was brimming with gambling dens and saloons, with only one public library. Religious and civic leaders, including William Chauncey Langdon, realized that there were little to no wholesome social and recreational activities. On June 23, 1852, sixty men took action by pledging to form the YMCA of the City of Washington. Just one year later, the first African American Y was founded in DC by Rev. Anthony Bowen. On June 28, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln, in the midst of the Civil War, signed the charter for the YMCA of the City of Washington.

160 years later, the Y is as committed to fostering physical, mental, and social development as in 1852. Join us as we celebrate 160 years of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility; join us as we celebrate the growth of DC and beyond. DC Mayor Vincent Gray and Alexandria City Mayor William Euille joined in by proclaiming YMCA Days this past June in each of their cities! Get involved in our Y160 challenges, our Give & Gift campaign, or just spread the word! Visit www.ymcadc160.org to learn more.


The Impact of YMCA Summer Camp on NBA Player Etan Thomas
June 2012

Etan Thomas is a famed author and professional basketball player of 11 years who attended YMCA summer camp as a child. Click below to learn more about the enduring impact positive role models and exposure to enriching activities had on his life.




Our New Board Chair:
A Nationally-Respected Lawyer and Community Leader
May 2012

In May 2012, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington announced the election of Roderic L. Woodson as Chair of the nonprofit’s Board of Directors. Roderic, a well-known community advocate who is respected nationwide as one of the best lawyers in America, will provide leadership to the 14-member board, which sets the strategic direction and policies for 17 YMCA branches that uphold youth development, healthy living and social responsibility throughout greater Washington. As a member of the Y's Board since 2006, he succeeds Mike Repass of the Internal Revenue Service and will serve a two-year term as Chair.

Roderic has been practicing law in Washington, DC since 1979, and has spent the last 13 years at Holland & Knight LLP. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards and advisory committees, including the Greater Washington Board of Trade, United Bank, DC Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, Providence Hospital, DC Public Schools, and numerous committees within the DC government. Roderic has also been a member of Leadership Greater Washington since 2004.

Roderic has developed a national reputation as a thought leader on topics such as governance, regulatory law, political action and ethics. Among his many honors, he was named in the 2007 edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” and the 2010 edition of “Washington DC's Best Lawyers” for Municipal Law. He has also received much recognition from his alma mater, Howard University, and the District of Columbia Bar Association.


raising greater awareness about our funding needs
April 2012

Farewell Building Bridges

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is proud to introduce our newly rebranded community support fund - Caring for Community. Succinctly put, the Y and its supporters have been Caring for Community for 160 years. Now our community fund brings even more clarity to our purpose through a name that speaks specifically to our mission. Caring for Community asks our community members to care about each other by affording local children, adults and families access to the Y’s programs and services. No matter how trying times may be, the Y strives to make the healthy choice the easy choice. With this powerful, emotionally-evoking, and relatable campaign, we will appeal to more donors in the community and help even more people. Why? Because we need each other.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our Associate Executive Directors who passionately took on this project that will transform the way we present our fundraising efforts!