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| September 2010
Quarterly Newsletter |
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| News from the Y | YMCA of Central New Mexico |
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Greetings!
On July 10, 2010, the YMCA of the USA unveiled our new logo and brand at the General Assembly in Salt Lake City. Three years ago, I was part of a team of YMCA staff and volunteers who looked at the YMCA from the inside and from the outside. What we found was that the YMCA did not have a cause that we were known for. The YMCA was seen by the public as providing programs and services, not for what we were accomplishing in our local communities. We also found that the messages the YMCA were sending out to staff, volunteers, and the public were not concise and were confusing to everyone.
So, the YMCA decided to revitalize ourselves. One of the big changes is our logo. The "old" logo was over 43 years old. The public perceived the "old" logo as outdated, the black and red was not appealing, and the red triangle looked like a yield sign! The YMCA of the USA has decided on five color choices for YMCA associations to choose from. The YMCA of Central New Mexico has yet to decide our logo colors. We will be asking for input from our staff, volunteers, and community on what colors we choose.
The other major change is how we will be branding ourselves. We will still be known as the Young's Men's Christian Association (YMCA) of Central New Mexico. However, we will be using "the Y" in many of our marketing materials. The Y promises to strengthen the foundations of our communities that we serve. The YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility will still guide our behaviors, interactions with each other, our programs and curriculums, and our decision-making. Our Mission Statement has not changed, "To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all". All Y programs, initiatives, and events are categorized into one of three areas of focus that frame our values, enhancing our understanding of what we do and why it matters.
Youth Development: Nuturing the potential of every child and teen.
Healthy Living: Improving the nation's health and well-being.
Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors.
This is a very exciting time to be a YMCA staff, volunteer, and member. One Cause, One Voice, it starts now.
Thank you for supporting the Y!
Doug Nakashima
President/CEO |
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Help Us Choose Our Colors!
 For the first time in 43 years, YMCA of the USA has unveiled a new brand strategy to increase understanding of the impact that YMCA's make in communities across the country. The YMCA has the unique capacity to address many of the challenges facing the nation today. Through our new brand strategy and framework, we can extend our reach into communities to nurture the potential of youth and teens, improve our states health and well-being and provide opportunities to support neighbors.
The YMCA of Central New Mexico will be launching an awareness campaign by allowing you to help select our new logo colors. You can vote online at ymcacnm.org. |
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Step Up For Kids
The Y's Annual Support Campaign
 "Without the help of the Y, I wouldn't have been able to get through my cancer treatments successfully. The Step Up For Kids Scholarship allowed me to receive financial assistance during tough times when staying alive became my first priority. My family received love and support from the Y Child Care staff. They even made sure homework was done so I didn't need to worry about it! We know firsthand what the Y can do for people in their communities. " Kathy, cancer survivor and m other of three.
We know when we work together, we move communities forward. Step Up For Kids ensures that parents never have to make the decision between putting food on the table and having a safe and healthy place for their child to be after school. On August 28, the YMCA of Central New Mexico kicked off our Step Up For Kids Campaign. Our goal is to raise $250,000 for scholarships that provide financial assistance to kids and families who need our help in tough times. Our volunteers are working together to put on golf and volleyball tournaments to raise money for scholarships for our community. Individuals will write checks in the name of kids and families in the state of New Mexico who will then be able to participate in basketball, child care, volleyball and teen programs. Mike Skolnick, Step Up for Kids Chairman, will speak at Rotary and Kiwanis meetings throughout the city to tell the Y Story. Kathie Williams, Y Board Member, opened her home to kick off our Step Up for Kids Campaign.
Volunteering and giving is the core of our existence at the Y. Studies show that people who volunteer are happier and healthier. Giving back is good for us in many ways! Find out how you can celebrate the strongest cause driven non-profit in the world through social responsibility at the YMCA of Central New Mexico. |
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 MembershipMember Appreciation!
The membership services staff at the Y has been very busy this year and our member base has never been stronger. To show our appreciation we are hosting an Appreciation Event each month for members and staff. October will be our chili cook-off. Members and staff will be asked to bring in their favorite chili dish to share so don't be afraid to bring the heat! If you have ideas for an appreciation event please share them with the member services staff at your branch.
One of our most active ... and lively membership groups at the Y is the Silver Sneakers. To keep them on their toes we have to be creative. Our Silver Sneakers coordinators are known not only for running a tight ship in their Silver Sneakers classes but also for organizing exciting group day trips including riding the Rail Runner to Santa Fe and visiting the Balloon Museum as well as guest speakers throughout the year.
Check with your membership services staff for a schedule of events and join the fun! |
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For Healthy Living
Health & Well-Being
About a year ago a young gal walked into our facility asking for a tour. After she looked us over Rosanna Cordova joined the YMCA of Central New Mexico and began a journey. A journey with struggles, fears, and pain but this journey saved her life.
With Y staff by her side teaching her how to use the equipment, talking with her about nutrition and encouraging her, Rosanna lost 139 pounds. She went from a size 26 to a size 8! The group exercise classes she tried have given her the support to continue the journey. When Rosanna was ready to give up, a YMCA instructor invited her to run with a group of similar folks, all of which have a struggle or fears. Now they are a running group trying a new challenge every month. Rosanna's positive attitude, persistence and friends she made at the YMCA were key to her success.
When asked about the impressive weight loss Rosanna shrugs it off and reminds people of what she has found at the Y. "What a journey! What joy! What a beautiful gift the Y has been! I carry the lessons and kindness of the Y with me every day as I work out, on my runs and in my heart." |
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE TIPS
The Big "10"
Losing weight could save your life. Here is a list of just a few of the health benefits realized with just a 10% loss of your current body weight.
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A healthier heart - By losing 10% you can reduce your cholesterol and lower your blood pressure both of which are major factors associated with heart disease.
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Lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes - If you are overweight you are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes. A 10% weight loss can improve the bodies ability to use insulin, possibly preventing the onset of the disease.
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More Energy - 10% loss will add a feeling of well-being to your life, giving you a feeling of renewed energy and vigor.
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Mental Edge - As you approach your goal you realize that "success builds on success" giving you determination and motivation. Upon completion of the 10% goal you have self-confidence to continue.
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A taste of reality - After losing your 10% you have a sense of what it would take to keep going to reach your final goal. It is like saying "I know what it will take to get there, am I willing to put in the effort?" If the answer is no, fine. Pat yourself on the back and enjoy what you have accomplished. Health-wise a 10% loss is a great achievement.
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For Youth Development
Youth Sports
The YMCA of Central New Mexico's Youth Sports Department is going through some major changes that will ensure better quality and memorable moments for all our youth. These include consistency throughout each branch, building stronger community partnerships, adding a more diverse range of youth sports programs, and giving the youth sports program website a new facelift. The website will be more user friendly and updated monthly. These changes will help us provide a sports program that will be more fulfilling for our YMCA families. One of our fastest growing sports is youth volleyball.
The Y would like to take a moment to recognize our summer volleyball coaches. Thanks to their continued support and dedication we have been able to run a high quality youth volleyball program. Our coaches have given back to the community by teaching character development like honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility while also teaching the fundamentals of the sport to our youth. Including volleyball in our programs has given more children the opportunity to discover their potential in a sport they love. Our participants have enjoyed building relationships with their fellow teammates and coaches as well as the Y's sports staff. Register today for our fall leagues! |
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 For Social ResponsibilityThe YMCA & APS Partner to Enhance Learning
In an effort to give students more opportunity for enhanced learning, the YMCA of Central New Mexico is partnering with eighteen elementary and two middle schools to change the face of after school programming.
YMCA after school programs will utilize the academic plans for students to align curriculum activities with the school day. As we continue to provide a fun environment, each individual child's learning capacity will be enhanced by repetition. For example; a teacher focuses on fractions during the school day, the YMCA will also, in a fun creative way, plan activities utilizing mathematical concepts with fractions in the same day.
A child's personal development has always been at the center of the Y's programming. Helping to enhance the school curriculum will provide long lasting benefits to our children. |
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About Us
The Y is the nation's leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. |
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Contact Us
YMCA of Central New Mexico
PO Box 52196
Albuquerque, NM 87181
(505) 881-4787
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