On a Mission The Heart of Our SAYMCA
CREATES OPPORTUNITY
By meeting our community’s evolving needs through transformative programs like Neuro-Wellness, Rock Steady Boxing, and Oncology Yoga.
A membership scholarship at the SAYMCA offers more than a reduced rate. It builds community. Scholarships serve diverse needs, from immigrants learning American culture to individuals with special needs or recovering from illness, to those rebuilding after abusive relationships. We use the word "scholarship" intentionally, as "financial assistance" can carry a negative connotation. Scholarship implies success and opportunity. Individuals and families can apply for membership scholarships when completing registration. In 2025, the Annual Giving Campaign provided for more than $111,753 in membership scholarships for people who likely wouldn't be able to be part of the Y community without that support; families like the Chittums.
SAYMCA members benefit from membership scholarships
It's recognition that you belong to something bigger. It's knowing that your contribution is as meaningful to someone else as it is to you. GIVING IS AN ACT OF HOPE.
By funding community outreach programs like The Y Not Sing Singers and Youth Volunteer Corps that foster social responsibility.
PROVIDES HOPE...
EVERY DOLLAR RAISED...
IT FEELS DIFFERENT to walk through the doors of our Y.
We operate on the principle that we are more than just a fitness facility. Our mission is to develop programs that promote the health of spirit, mind, and body FOR ALL! How do we do this?
By expanding access to healthy living and youth development through scholarships for membership, child care, and programs.
SEEING A NEED, TAKING THE LEAD From childcare to cycling to programs that target specific health issues in our community, the umbrella of Mission Programs covers just about everything a Y member or visitor encounters beyond fitness classes and equipment. Mission programs are not funded by membership dues; they rely primarily on the Y's Annual Giving Campaign, which wraps up in mid-May. Many Mission Programs have existed at The SAYMCA for many years, and some have been added more recently. The goal of Y leadership is not just to continue to operate these programs, but to have the ability to expand and adapt. Responding to community needs - while maintaining foundational programming - is a core characteristic of the YMCA. CEO Josh Cole says it is "immensely rewarding" to have the programmatic agility to see an area that needs support and know that the SAYMCA team can answer the call. Children and Youth Swim Lessons/Safety Around Water Teen Center Teen Takeover Afterschool Adventure Club Summer Day Camp Youth Volunteer Corps Youth Basketball League Community Childcare Center Various Ages Rock Steady Boxing Y Not Sing? Singers Neuro-Wellness Bible Study/Chaplain Team Expresso/Blue Gogi The Shinaberry Employee Assistance Fund Oncology Yoga CPR/First Aid Training Membership/Program Scholarships
ASSISTANCE CREATES OPPORTUNITY
"They show all of us so much love ... I don’t know what we’d do without the Y.” - Carmen Chittum
$59,695 child care scholarships funded by 2025 Annual Giving Campaign
“Whenever I talk to her, I can think about something better happening for me." - Eddie, Afterschool Adventure Club student
When we think about youth at the SAYMCA, we think about guiding our kids from cradle to career. We think about how a small, scrunched up forehead signifies potential. We think about how laughter creates connection. We want kids to be successful, but that's not the end of the journey. Our goals are inspiration, independence, and empowerment.
Afterschool Adventure Club Scholarships
MISSION: Youth Development
22 Children
MADYSON & EDDIE Where many people saw a disrespectful and disruptive child Madyson Sumner, former Wilson Elementary Afterschool Adventure Club Program Site Leader, saw an isolated second-grader who craved to be seen, listened to, and trusted to make good choices for himself. She saw Eddie. Sumner knew that his social- emotional development needed attention. He needed to identify himself as something other than "the bad kid." Between conversations about soccer players and just chatting about life in general, Eddie started to care deeply about "Miss Madyson's" opinion of him. He worked to make more choices that both of them could be proud of. Their relationship reflects the heart of the afterschool program - how one caring, consistent adult can change the way a child sees themselves and their future.
During the school year, the Y serves 125 students at four Afterschool Adventure Club sites. In the summer, many of those children are joined by others at Summer Day Camp when classes aren't in session. Operating in tandem for decades, these Mission Programs provide daily support for working parents and get kids moving to promote physical health, provide homework help, and give the kids a place where they can be themselves and know they are safe. The idea is to have care that is accessible to as many people as possible, and that means that tuition alone doesn't cover operations. Funds raised during the Annual Giving Campaign bridge a gap of thousands of dollars to ensure that essential childcare options continue to be available in our area.
Summer Camp Scholarships
11 Children
“There is a lot of love in these walls and it has seen a lot of kids and situations.” - CCC Director, Jamye Justus.
"Sometimes, at school, I get bullied, and it's tough, but when I’m at the Teen Center, I feel safe." - Teen Center Student
NURTURING A THRIVING COMMUNITY is at the center of everything we do.
STEP BY STEP From small, tottering toes to the confident strides of someone who is nearing graduation, the YMCA is with children every step of the way. The pre-K program at Community Childcare Center introduces little ones to social interaction, hands-on learning, and much more. Afterschool Adventure Club sites at the Coalter Street Y facility as well as Churchville, Clymore, and Wilson Elementary schools compliment learning in the primary grades and strengthen partnerships with local schools. The vibrant Teen Center builds interpersonal connections and helps older kids find their "crew."
Jamye Justus vividly remembers the message in September 2022 that solidified the partnership between Community Childcare Center (CCC) and the SAYMCA. Leadership challenges, declining enrollment, and building maintenance issues had crippled the longtime Staunton provider. As one of the few local centers that offers tuition on a sliding scale based on family income, and Justus knew just how critical its viability was. “The Y is coming,” a coworker texted her. Justus, who now serves as CCC Director, allowed herself to take a deep breath and start planning for the organization and quality, affordable childcare in the area. More than three years later, the joy and heartbreak of helping families through dire circumstances continues at CCC, but now the staff is confident that they are supported by the Y's solid foundation. One of the biggest highlights of this year was when a family received an emergency foster placement and the children arrived at the center with absolutely no clothes. "I sent a message out to our families asking if anyone had hand-me-downs that might fit them. The response was incredible. Families donated backpacks, toothbrushes, body wash, clothes, jackets, shoes, and even bedding," Justus said. "Moments like that show that CCC is more than just a childcare center — it’s a family. Everyone supports one another when it matters most."
Connections start with conversations.
People give and their gift sustains a program.
Ideas turn into action when we lead with empathy.
“It makes me feel good to not only help myself, but help the students. I’m glad to be a part of that.”- Jerry Baber, Neuro-Wellness participant
SEEING A NEED, TAKING THE LEAD Responding to community needs - while maintaining foundational programming - is a core characteristic of the YMCA. Executive Director Josh Cole says it is "immensely rewarding" to have the programmatic agility to see an area that needs support and know that the SAYMCA team can answer the call. Rock Steady Boxing, Neuro-Wellness, Oncology Yoga, and the Y Not Sing? Singers are examples of how local needs have shaped our signature Mission Programs.
Developing adaptive fitness programs like Oncology Yoga, Neuro-Wellness and Rock Steady Boxing allows us to expand our impact. Oncology Yoga was created in 2022 in response to a growing need for cancer patient and survivor support in the area. The need meshed with Y staff member Melissa Anderson Morgan's specialized training in yoga to aid in cancer recovery, and a unique Mission Program was born. In 2025, the program gave 10 cancer patients a safe place to process their treatment journey. Cancer is an indiscriminate thief, and Oncology Yoga is a refuge for anyone who needs support, encouragement, and a way to draw strength when facing illness.
“I really, truly think [Rock Steady] is zeroing in on how to manage this condition.” - participant Paul Davis
In fall 2014, SAYMCA member and Physical Therapist Lee Baker worked with Y personal trainers to introduce a program to help people recover from stroke. The project has evolved into what we know as Neuro-Wellness, which includes sessions for people with a range of neurological issues. A strong partnership with Occupational and Physical Therapy students at Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences (Mary Baldwin University) enables us to expand awareness of the program as well as enrollment. The Neuro-Wellness program is transformative for participants as well as students. In 2025, the program helped 20 participants feel stronger, recover function, and gain independence.
Taking hold of an initial idea from member Judy Briggs, the SAYMCA has supported a chapter of Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) since 2017. The internationally recognized workout program for people with Parkinson’s disease has shown incredible benefits close to home. In 2025, Our Rock Steady Boxing Program helped 50 Parkinson's patients fight back. “Community is what I see every single day in Rock Steady. Our boxers know they are not alone in their fight," says Fitness Director and RSB Coach Wendy Shutty.
Lives improve through the relationships they build.
MISSION: Healthy Living
Oncology Yoga was created in 2022 in response to a growing need for cancer patient and survivor support in the area. The need meshed with Y staff member Melissa Anderson Morgan's specialized training in yoga to aid in cancer recovery, and a unique Mission Program was born.
TEAM EXPRESSO/BLUE GOJI Our whole Y caught the buzz in Nov. 2022 when Captain Jeff Collins enrolled us in the Y Madness Challenge. Since then we have defended our title as champions. Our community of riders has grown and spans generations. We have added cybercycles to our upstairs cardio room which has allowed us to compete in another national challenge; The Goji Games where we recruit riders as young as 12 and as old as 65.
22 locations - 44 performances Y Not Sing Singers 2025 Tour 2025
MISSION: Social Responsibility
Our vision of wellness extends beyond childcare and fitness.
BIBLE STUDY/ CHAPLAINS One of the unique ways we embody the "C" in YMCA is through the efforts of our Staff Chaplain. The position has included community members in the past, and is currently held by staff member Carol Byrd. It is very meaningful to her alongside several other roles in the SAYMCA organization. The chaplain serves Y members through weekly Bible Study, personal and group outreach, and ongoing prayer support. It is open to anyone who wishes to deepen their spiritual connections.
YOUTH VOLUNTEER CORPS Since 2014, students ages 11-18 have been engaged in volunteer activities throughout the community to gain hands-on service and leadership skills. Led by Stephanie Mason, participants choose projects to get involved with, plan and work the event, and debrief after each experience.
78 volunteers 45+ projects 260+ service hours Youth Volunteer Corps community impact in 2025
THE RIPPLES SPREAD because of your generosity and dedication.
YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE Another of our long-standing youth development programs, the Youth Basketball League introduces more than 230 students to the game of basketball and involves the efforts of more than 25 volunteers. This program runs November through February. The league presents an opportunity for youth to learn the powerful lesson of commitment and develop integrity. It's not just about the game. This year we saw adults who once attended the league as children return as coaches so they can continue the tradition of giving back.
Y NOT SING SINGERS Spearheaded by Carol Byrd, our outreach singing group visits senior centers, retirement homes, and assisted living facilities throughout the Valley. This group loves to entertain by putting their spin on some classics and holiday favorites.
No amount is too small. Donations can be made in one payment or on a month-to- month basis. We can take cash, check or card. Give today by visiting saymca.org. Click the "donate" button on the homepage.
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Membership dues do not cover the cost of Mission Programs. The only way we can continue to pursue our mission is through contributions made by our community members. When our families, friends, and neighbors reach out for help, we can answer the call because our mission is sustained by people like YOU.
STRONG COMMUNITIES THRIVE TOGETHER