Thursday, October 17, 2024
Dear Friends,
I hope you and your family fared well through both Hurricane Helene and Milton. Our region has gone through a lot in the past few weeks with back-to-back hurricanes, but we are a resilient community, and we will get through this TOGETHER. In times like these, the YMCA looks to fill critical community voids… and for well over a century, the Tampa Y has proven itself to be nimble and responsive. In these unique environments, the Y shows up in unique ways.
You will see one great example on display at our East Pasco YMCA who stepped in to shelter out-of-state powerline workers in addition to over 50 FEMA workers from Louisiana who were helping with disaster relief and search and rescue efforts. There was no hesitation from our Y leaders when City of Zephyrhills officials approached them with the request. They provided immediate support with showers and a safe space to stage and house them. See the complete story here on how the East Pasco YMCA was able to support the FEMA response team.
Similarly, the Plant City YMCA became a primary community safety and comfort zone when local government officials identified a rising critical need as residents dealt with storm damage and flood waters. Our leaders and staff set up the facility immediately to provide needed resources to help keep our neighbors safe and supported in the wake of the storm. Here’s the story with those details.
Additionally, once we were made aware schools would be closed, we immediately initiated all-day YMCA Childcare for families in need. As our local school districts worked hard to ensure school buildings were safe for returning students… we wanted to make certain that our kids had a nurturing and constructive place to spend the day as their parents returned to work. Serving youth is a cornerstone of Y work and we are always prepared to create an environment where our kids can grow and thrive.
None of this happens without a dedicated staff team who are committed to the well-being of our community. It goes without saying, your local YMCA team members are more than employees… they are true community stewards who show up when called upon to help our community stay connected and secure. Whether it was a hot shower, a charging station, a warm meal, a safe place to get out of the heat, or just a place to come and feel connected to your community in the days following the hurricane… your Y is here for you.
Lastly, thank you to all the individuals who have been working so hard to keep us safe and to get us back to some sort of normalcy. Powerline workers, from near and far, working day and night to return our power, medical staff camping out in their hospitals to provide care, emergency personnel responding to the countless needs in the wake of the storm, small businesses, grocery stores, all of the nonprofits providing an immeasurable amount of service to those in need, teachers prepping their classrooms, neighbors helping others with debris cleanup… the list goes on and on.
We are better together. Let’s be certain to continue to care for one another in the weeks and months ahead.
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO