“I could have died many times on the streets. Y-Haven has given me my life back - a better life than what I had before. I am so grateful and humble.”
Tim Lupton, Y-Haven graduate
“The Diabetes program is a wonderful thing. It’s a great opportunity to learn what you need to do to prevent amputation, blindness and other side effects of diabetes.”
Barbara Watkins,
Diabetes program participant
“I was impressed with the programs and directions you have established. But even more, I was impressed with the kids I came in contact with. They are like no inner-city youth I have encountered. You are truly having an impact. I am very pleased and grateful to be a small part of it.”
Priscilla Neill,
Widow of James Francis Hamilton
A YMCA of Greater Cleveland Memorial Fund has been set up in her husband’s memory, with funds earmarked for the Y partnership with the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority.
URBAN INITIATIVES
A number of critical community issues confront our community.
Unhealthy behaviors, sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition have led to an epidemic of obesity and related chronic disease in the U.S. Childhood obesity likely will lead to lower life expectancy and chronic health issues.
Only 36 percent of students in Cleveland graduate from high school. Children and teens are increasingly growing up in single-parent homes. Diversity is increasing and the need for the teaching of values and the appreciation of diversity and inclusion are paramount.
Two million of the total $15 million Capital Campaign has been earmarked for the expansion/support of urban programming at the Greater Cleveland YMCA that currently serves over 20,000 residents.
Those programs include the following:
Y-Haven and Affiliate Programs
Y-Haven assists homeless men to become self-sufficient and live free from drugs and alcohol by providing transitional housing, recovery services, educational training, vocational services and permanent housing placement. Since 1993, over 2,300 men have successfully completed the program.
The Open Door Reentry Program is a program within Y-Haven that provides formerly incarcerated individuals with comprehensive case management, transitional housing and the necessary wrap-around services in a safe housing unit. The Green Team Janitorial Program offers custodial training and job opportunities to men and women who have multiple barriers to employment including ex-offenders, substance abuse and/or mental health issues, and limited education. The program incorporates resume writing and job placement and other support services.
The Healthy Communities Initiative
The Healthy Communities Initiative brings health services to inner-city neighborhoods, reaching residents who might otherwise only seek health care at a hospital emergency room. Programs include free health screenings that target conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, offered to residents using the city of Cleveland’s recreation centers. The screens are free, confidential, and detailed. Partners in the project include Cleveland State University, NEON Health Services, the Fairview/Lakewood/Lutheran Hospital Parish Nurse program, MetroHealth Medical Center, University Hospitals, and the Diabetes Partnership.
Clevelanders in Motion
Working in close partnership with the city’s Department of Public Health and a host of other community partners, Clevelanders in Motion was created to address the health risks associated with the area’s high rates of obesity. Clevelanders in Motion has developed Healthy Recipe postcards in partnership with OSU Extension Service and Dave’s Supermarkets, and detailed walking maps of Cleveland neighborhoods. It hosts Line Dancing classes at Cleveland recreation centers and participates in about three dozen community health and fitness events throughout the year.
Diabetes Education
Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in Ohio. Physical activity and nutrition are two key behaviors known to reduce diabetes risk and help manage the disease. Since 2008, the Y of Greater Cleveland, through collaboration with local agencies and funding through the Ohio Department of Health, has provided a free, 10-week diabetes education program including access to all YMCA facilities and programs to hundreds of individuals learning to live with this disease.
We Run This City Youth Marathon Program
We Run This City Youth Marathon Program is a collaboration between the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, the Cleveland Department of Public Health, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. The 14-week program strives to teach young people to set and achieve goals by preparing them to run in the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. Student participants gain self-confidence and increased levels of fitness and endurance. The program has also resulted in an offshoot bike program for inner-city kids, who receive a free refurbished bicycle; bike helmet and bike lock, and participate in weekly rides round the city.
Community Youth Services
In response to the increasing negative and high-risk behaviors confronting today’s youth, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland has designed an innovative and highly successful programming model that involves families, schools, the juvenile justice system, collaborating agencies, and the community at-large, all of which have an opportunity to make a positive impact on the youth of our community. Programs including Y Achievers, Leaders Club, Youth & Government, Teen Court, Living in Female Empowerment (L.I.F.E.), and Model United Nations (U.N.) are offered at branches, schools, and satellite sites in Cleveland. The Downtown Y also houses a Teen Center, providing teens with a safe, fun place to hang out after school or on weekends. In addition to recreation activities, it offers tutoring, homework help, and field trips.
CMHA Lakeview Terrace Community Center
The YMCA serves 1,100 residents of Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority’s Lakeview Terrace Community Center, offering signature youth programs as well as after-school tutoring. Residents also take part in sports and recreation programs and wellness classes designed to address preventable diseases related to inactivity such as obesity and diabetes.
To make a contribution to the Campaign, contact Toni Kayumi, Vice President of Financial Development and Government Relations, via e-mail at tkayumi@clevelandymca.org or by phone at (216) 263-6844.