LANSING, Mich. — YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing evolves service delivery to support coronavirus relief efforts across the tri-county area.
Coming together as a community during this uncertain time is more important than ever. While the shelter-in place orders given on March 16th keep us from opening our facilities and delivering typical programming services, and we are operating with a reduce staff, the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing is offering emergency services and programs for those during this challenging health crisis.
Unprecedented times often call for extraordinary actions, and the Y has a history of responding in powerful, transforming ways. Recognized as one of the strongest community service organizations in the area the Y was prepared when called upon to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The Y is proud to respond to the ever-changing needs in the area. While services are developing and growing each day, early examples of service include:
· Child and Family Feeding Sites: When schools closed many children and families lost access to healthy meals. The Y quickly partnered with Lansing School District-Sodexo Magic and the City of Lansing to distribute essential food at drive-up & pick up locations M-F with food packages available Saturday-Sunday. Since March 16, we have served more than 50,593 meals and this number grows by nearly 1,000 each day.
· Virtual Programming and Social Connectivity: The Y is staying committed to our communities health and wellness in these times of physical isolation by providing free online fitness classes for everyone through YMCA360.org led by Y professionals. Classes are designed for all age groups including a special section for senior citizens.
· Virtual Learning Opportunities: The Y has developed YMCA@Home website where anyone can access free kid friendly learning resources for families to stay happy, active and connected while at home. New items are added to the web-site daily. In addition, we just launched the Mystic@Home webpage which is packed with fun outdoor activities to keep kids engaged and connected to the out-of-doors. lansingymca.org/ymca-home for more information.
· Blood Donation Station: The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe shortage of lifesaving blood. The Y set-up a blood donation station and are planning more in the future.
YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing is honored to provide these services as they embody the heart and soul of the Y. The Y is grateful to the many loyal members who have “Stayed with Us.” We are also grateful to those donors who have chosen to support our work by giving to the COVID-19 Response Fund. You can be one of them by donating at lansingymca.org/covidresponse and keep connected to our work by checking us out at lansingymca.org.
Want to see more local news ? Visit the FOX47News Website.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Appleand Android
and
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox.
Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
