Thursday, March 19, 2020
Hello All,
These are certainly challenging times and to do all we can to limit the spread of COVID-19, we have closed all our YMCA locations across Tampa Bay through Sunday, March 29 to transition our efforts to help first responders and medical workers.
This closure affects all Y programming including sports, aquatics and special events until March 29, at which point we will re-evaluate whether we should resume operations based on current information and guidance from our local health department and government leaders.
Starting next Monday, March 23, we will offer all-day school-age relief care at 11 of our Tampa YMCA family centers to help support the children of healthcare and emergency response professionals, as well as other caregivers, who are playing important roles combating the coronavirus. I am pleased that we will continue to provide a critical service during these unprecedented times. I have worked with my colleagues at YMCA of the Suncoast as well as the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg to make this collective decision so that together, we can work to meet a critical need that will help our Greater Tampa Bay region continue to effectively function as our schools are closed.
The mission of the Y is bigger than our buildings! That’s why it’s so important in uncertain times like these that incredible supporters, like you, continue help us in our cause to strengthen the community. Your relationship with the Y is what keeps us going, keeps us strong and keeps us in service to those who need it most. I ask that you please stay connected to our cause during this difficult time. Keeping your memberships active allow us to meet the critical need that’s presented to all of us during this public health crisis.
We thank you for that and want to let you know how we intend to continue connecting with you and our members over the next couple weeks, despite our facilities being closed. We will also let you know of other responses to community need. We have set up new virtual tools you can put to use while we all comply with public health efforts. It’s our way of helping you to stay active, healthy and connected in your own home, and on your own time. We will be updating the page over the next several weeks so be sure to check in.
As a nonprofit, charitable organization, we appreciate your support and your loyalty to the Y. Please know the safety and well-being of our staff, members and volunteers is always the Y’s top priority. At the Y, everything we do is guided by our cause to strengthen communities and the stories included in this newsletter show our mission in action.
Thank you for your continued support!
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO
813.224.9622