|
Welcome to our monthly e-newsletter. At the end of each month, you will receive updates and information to stay on top of the latest moments, milestones, and happenings at the Greater Waterbury YMCA.
Enjoy!
|
|
|
|
Over the past several months, stepping into my role as the new CEO of the Greater Waterbury YMCA has been both an incredibly rewarding and humbling experience. I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome and ongoing support from our staff, members, Board of Directors, and community partners. From day one, this journey has been rooted in listening, learning, and building meaningful relationships, and I truly appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share their perspectives and passion for our mission.
As we share this first piece of our spring newsletter, I’m filled with excitement for what lies ahead and the opportunity it represents for us to come together for the greater good. These past months have reinforced just how special our YMCA community is, and how important it is that we continue working collectively to strengthen and grow our impact.
A key priority during this time has been gaining a deeper understanding of how we can build upon the strong foundation already in place. That means continuing to enhance our youth development, wellness, and community-based programs, while also ensuring our staff feel supported and empowered in the work they do every day. We’ve also been intentional about engaging directly with our members and partners, listening closely, gathering feedback, and identifying new opportunities to better serve the evolving needs of our community.
In addition, we’ve placed a strong focus on deepening our integration with Youth Services, with the goal of creating a more unified, wraparound approach to supporting individuals and families. This alignment allows us to think more holistically about impact, not just through programs, but through connection, access, and long-term outcomes.
As we move into this season, the idea of “springing into action” feels especially meaningful. The groundwork has been laid through thoughtful conversation and collaboration, and now we are ready to turn those insights into action, enhancing programs, improving the member experience, expanding outreach, and fostering stronger partnerships across our community.
Looking ahead, our vision remains clear. We are committed to expanding opportunities for youth and families, strengthening the partnerships that amplify our reach, and ensuring that our YMCA continues to be a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible space for all. Most importantly, we recognize that none of this work happens alone, it is through coming together, supporting one another, and staying grounded in our shared purpose that we will continue to make a lasting difference.
I am truly grateful to be on this journey with all of you, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together.
|
|
|
|
Anthony Ireland
Chief Executive Director
|
|
|
Praesidium Guardian Certified
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greater Waterbury YMCA is proud to announce Kristen Jones as a Certified Praesidium Guardian. Kristen serves as the Associate Executive Director at the YMCA and recently participated in the Praesidium Guardian Certification workshop.
"I just completed the Certified Praesidium Guardian training, a powerful experience focused on strengthening abuse prevention and building safer environments for youth and families,” said Kristen. “I’m excited to bring these strategies back to our organization to further strengthen our culture of safety and accountability.”
Praesidium helps organizations measure the effectiveness of their prevention program and, with confidence, take the next steps to achieve the highest standards in abuse prevention.
To learn more about the Praesidium Guardian Certification, click below.
|
|
|
Spring Reboot: New You at The Y
|
|
|
|
|
|
Got a friend, co-worker, or someone who’s been talking about getting back into the gym? Now’s your moment, invite them to join you at the Greater Waterbury YMCA!
All April long, members get FOUR extra guest passes to share. Bring a friend for a swim, a workout, or to try out one of our awesome group classes, because everything’s better with a workout buddy!
And here’s where it gets even better…
If your guest joins in April, you get a FREE month of membership! (Limit one free month membership per member.)
But wait, there’s more!
New members who join in April will receive a FREE Functional Movement Screening (FMS) (a $20 value) plus the chance to earn a FREE month of membership by visiting at least 75 times between their join date and August 15. Now that’s motivation!
So what are you waiting for? Grab a friend, hit the Y, and make April the month you both level up.
For more details on our April Spring Reboot: New You at The Y, reach out today by calling Maria, Membership Director, at 203-754-9622 x426
|
|
|
Getting Stronger Has Never Been Easier!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Did you know the Greater Waterbury YMCA offers personal training?
Our certified trainers are here to help you feel stronger, healthier, and more confident, no matter where you’re starting. They’ll work with you to create a personalized plan based on your goals, whether that’s building muscle, losing weight, improving tone, learning proper form, or simply finding more joy in staying active.
With access to great equipment like kettlebells, stability balls, and fitness machines and the guidance of a supportive trainer, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.
Ready to take that next step and invest in yourself? Reach out to our Wellness Coordinator Advisor, Jerome Cunningham, and get started today!
|
|
|
Child Development Happenings!
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Early Childhood Center at the Greater Waterbury YMCA has been busy throughout the month of March. The Y’s youngest learners decorated friendship cards for residents at Cheshire House in Waterbury, welcomed guest readers during Read Across America week, and had a visit from Connecticut author Rick Arruza and his dog Dexter.
Additionally, the Child Development Center would like to recognize “Teacher of the Month”, Jay Tirado.
We are excited to recognize Mr. Jay Tirado as our Teacher of the Month! As a newer teacher, Jay has shown tremendous growth and dedication. He brings creativity and energy to the classroom, creating engaging activities that meet students where they are developmentally.
“Jay has built strong relationships with his students and consistently goes above and beyond to support them. He is not only a great teacher but also a valued team player who contributes positively to our program and the Y community,” said Alisa Brown, Child Development Director. “We’re grateful for the passion and commitment he brings every day!”
Congratulations, Mr. Tirado, and thank you for all that you bring to our students, our team, and our program!
To learn more about the Child Development Center and childcare options, please contact our Child Development Director, Alisa Brown.
|
|
|
Camp Registration is Now Open!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Get ready for the best summer ever, because Camp Mataucha and Camp Oakasha are officially open for registration!
The Greater Waterbury YMCA is proud to offer two unforgettable summer day camp experiences for youth across Waterbury and surrounding communities, each packed with adventure, friendship, and nonstop fun.
At Camp Mataucha in Watertown, campers dive into a classic camp experience filled with fishing, swimming, mountain biking, performing arts, and more, all set in the great outdoors.
Over at Camp Oakasha in Southbury, the excitement continues with activities like swimming, archery, low ropes, and a variety of engaging challenges that keep campers active and smiling all day long.
No matter which camp you choose, every day is designed to inspire confidence, build friendships, and bring the YMCA’s core values, caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, to life.
Spots fill fast…don’t miss out on a summer your camper will never forget!
|
|
|
Greater Waterbury YMCA’s Trip
tothe State Capitol
|
|
|
|
|
|
In mid-March, the Greater Waterbury YMCA was incredibly proud to send seven outstanding youth delegates to participate in the Connecticut YMCA Youth and Government (YAG) program at the State Capitol in Hartford!
YAG is an inspiring, statewide program that brings together hundreds of students for a hands-on model government experience. It gives young people the opportunity to step into the roles of legislators, discuss and debate real issues impacting communities across Connecticut, and propose meaningful legislation to help shape a better future.
We are especially excited to share that six of our delegates presented and debated the bills they authored, and several were successfully signed into law by the Youth Governor! This is an incredible accomplishment and a true reflection of their hard work, passion, and commitment.
Through experiences like YAG, our teens continue to grow as leaders, building confidence, strengthening their voices, and learning the power of civic engagement and community impact.
This experience would not be possible without the dedication and support of our amazing program advisors. A heartfelt thank you to Edna Walton, Youth & Teen Director, Craig Boyd, along with YAG Alumni Yordalys Dilone and Ailyn Dione, for their guidance, mentorship, and commitment to our youth.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, March 20, was the grand opening of Waterbury Youth Services, a branch of the Greater Waterbury YMCA , expansion of the Youth and Family Services Closet of Care. Located at 83 Prospect Street, Waterbury, the Closet of Care is open on the third Friday of the month.
The expanded space was designed to provide a family-friendly, department-store style experience, allowing families to access essential items, such as clothing, food, hygiene items, and other essentials, in a welcoming and respectful environment that preserves dignity while meeting real needs. With the expansion, the Closet of Care now serves youth up to age 24 and families with youth up to age 24.
Thank you to the community for making the Closet of Care possible.
United Way of Greater Waterbury
Element Solutions Foundation -MacDermid
The current organizations and community members that have adopted a shelf to provide monthly food donations to the pantry.
Donna Perrotti
Dreamers2gether Inc
Family Is Everything
Greater Waterbury Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
|
|
|
|
April 13 – Friday, April 17
|
|
|
Friday, April 17, 2026 | 11am – 4pm
|
|
|
|
|
