Message to Members on Monday, November 16, 2020
Last updated: December 7, 2020, at 1:06 p.m. PT
Originally published: December 7, 2020, at 1:06 p.m. PT
We have updated this blog post to reflect how we are adapting operations in response to the new guidelines released by Governor Inslee on Sunday, November 15. A version of this message was originally emailed to members on Monday, November 16.
Dear YMCA of Greater Seattle Community,
Many of you may have heard about Governor Inslee’s proclamation yesterday regarding the necessary precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19. In support of our community and to comply with the governor’s proclamation, we adapted our operations as follows:
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We will continue to offer virtual activities, on-site early education and Y LEAP Academy, Hunger Response, and other services through our Social Impact Center including behavioral health support, foster care services, and housing support.
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We will continue to offer pool services including lap swimming and swim lessons at our facilities, as long as it is appropriate to do so under local health guidelines. We will continue to monitor these guidelines for updates. Safety protocols including capacity limits, masks, and social distancing are still in effect. Reservations are still required to help us monitor capacity.
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We have suspended all other indoor in-person activities including use of cardio and strength equipment and free weights, group exercise classes, and access to our membership desks. Outdoor excursions have ended for the season, but we're working on more outdoor programming for members.
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If your fee-based program or class was canceled, we will automatically apply the amount you paid as a credit to your account by Monday, November 23. If you used Y Bucks for your purchase, find more information about Y Bucks here.
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We’ve extended the expiration date for Sustaining Member Y Bucks to Thursday, December 31, 2020. Get more information about Y Bucks.
We know that you may have questions about these changes. We are committed to keeping you updated via email, social media, and on our website via our digital Welcome Back guide
For immediate answers to common questions, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
Your Membership with the Y
We can’t thank you enough for staying with us as a member of the Y. As the region’s leading nonprofit, we rely on your membership dues to help sustain our operations in this very uncertain time. We are not immune to economic challenges presented by the pandemic and we are so grateful for your continued support.
Memberships will remain active so that you can continue to enjoy the pool, virtual classes, and other member-only events and pricing.
You have the following options if you need them:
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Keep your active membership (no action required).
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Place your membership on hold using this form to temporarily suspend your dues.
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Cancel your membership using this form. If you need a refund for this period of time, please let us know in the “Leave a Message” section of the form.
If your membership is on hold, you can extend your hold using this form. For our facilities without pools, including Snoqualmie Valley and University Family Y's, we will automatically extend membership holds until restrictions for indoor, in-person fitness ease.
We All May Need a Little Extra Help
We continue to hear and empathize with the incredible mental health challenges experienced by children and families during this pandemic.
The Y is committed to helping through the following services:
Mental Health Services
Our services help interrupt cycles of trauma and provide a pathway for young people to reach their full potential as healthy and independent adults.
Youth Development
We are strengthening kids and families through educational support programs, early learning programs, high school AP support, kindergarten readiness support and virtual programs.
Rent Help
We are providing rent assistance to young adults who are at risk of losing their housing due to the pandemic.
Feeding Families
We're on the front lines supporting kids and their families to have consistent access to healthy foods they need to thrive.
Housing
We are providing shelter and wrap around services to over 300 young adults per night in King County.
Supporting Seniors
We are providing new ways for seniors to socially connect, community and health navigation, chronic disease prevention, and behavioral health support.
Members and community members like you can help too. Here’s how:
Keep your membership.
Your membership dollars help support us through this difficult period and ensure our future viability.
Donate.
Make a donation to the Y to support kids and families by giving online or Text YMCA-Donate to 55678. Every dollar makes a big difference to our community right now.
Be a resource to others.
Today and over the coming weeks, we’ll share resources with you to help our community in the areas it needs most.
Stay safe and mask up.
Please follow safety protocols including wearing masks and social distancing.
What a year it has been. We are so grateful for all that you do as a member of the Y. We will get through this together.
Sincerely,
The YMCA of Greater Seattle