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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! |
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| The CEO Spot |
| As we prepare for another exciting summer at the Greater Waterbury YMCA, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the opportunities we offer children and families throughout our community. |
| Summer at the YMCA is more than camp. It is a season of growth, confidence, friendship, leadership, and lifelong memories. It is where children discover who they are, families find connection, and communities grow stronger together. For many youth, summer can become a defining moment, one that builds confidence, creates belonging, and unlocks new possibilities. |
| This year, we are proud to offer enriching experiences through YMCA Camp Mataucha in Watertown, YMCA Camp Oakasha in Southbury, and our Summer Daze program on the Greater Waterbury YMCA campus. Each program provides a safe, supportive environment where children can explore, connect with peers, discover new interests, and learn from caring mentors who help shape meaningful experiences and lasting memories. |
| Camp Mataucha will offer four two-week sessions along with a Preview Week. Preview Week takes place June 22–June 26. Each session is designed to encourage independence, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and community. |
| Camp Oakasha will offer nine one-week sessions from June 22 through August 21, continuing its tradition of providing youth with a fun, structured, and welcoming space where they can stay active, build friendships, strengthen social and emotional skills, and enjoy the experience of summer. |
| At the YMCA, we believe every child deserves access to meaningful summer experiences regardless of circumstance. Through the generosity of our supporters and our continued commitment to serving families across Greater Waterbury, we remain focused on creating opportunities that ensure more children can participate, grow, and thrive. |
| As someone who was born and raised in Waterbury and benefited from mentors, coaches, educators, and community spaces that invested in me, this season is especially meaningful. I know firsthand how powerful it can be when a young person feels seen, supported, and encouraged. Every summer, I am reminded that our work extends far beyond programming. We are helping create experiences that build confidence, inspire leadership, and leave a lasting impact. |
| I am deeply grateful to our staff, leadership teams, volunteers, donors, and community supporters whose dedication brings our mission to life each day. |
| Thank you to our members, families, and community partners for your continued belief in the YMCA and in the potential of every young person we serve. Together, we are building a place where all people feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive. |
| Whether you are joining us for camp, supporting a child’s experience, volunteering your time, or helping us expand access for families, thank you for being part of our mission and helping us create opportunities that will last far beyond the summer months. |
| We look forward to an inspiring, safe, and unforgettable summer ahead. |
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| Anthony Ireland |
| Chief Executive Director |
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| Are You a YCON at the Greater Waterbury YMCA? |
| Have you noticed the YCON board at the Greater Waterbury YMCA and wondered what it’s all about? YCON stands for YMCA icon, individuals who help make the Y the welcoming, inspiring, and impactful place it is today. |
| YCONs are the heart of our YMCA. They are long-time members, dedicated volunteers, passionate staff, supportive community partners, and everyday individuals who truly embody the Y’s mission of strengthening our community. |
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| We are proud to feature Judge Maurice Mosley as one of our first YCONs. A YMCA member for more than 50 years, Judge Mosly shared: |
| “Community means giving service to the neighborhoods in which you live. The Y provides meaningful programs for the very young and OGs like me.” |
| Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized as a YCON? Maybe it’s you! |
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| Becoming a Greater Waterbury YMCA YCON is easy. You can nominate someone or even self-nominate by contacting Justin Montanez, YCON Liaison, at jmontanez@waterburyymca.org. All nominations will be reviewed, and additional information will be shared with selected participants. |
| Join us in celebrating the people who make our Y community stronger every day. We hope to see you on the YCON board soon! |
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| Celebrating the POWER Class of 2026 |
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This May, Waterbury Youth Services proudly celebrated the graduation of 19 students from the POWER (Providing Opportunities With Educational Readiness) Program. Conducted entirely in Spanish, the 26-week professional home daycare training program equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and licensing support needed to launch their own childcare businesses or pursue careers in childcare.
Under the leadership of Felicia Diaz, the POWER Program has now empowered and graduated more than 700 childcare providers, creating opportunities for families while strengthening the future of our community through education, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
This year’s graduation ceremony also recognized 17 participants who successfully completed the Business Series in partnership with All Our Kin, expanding their business knowledge and professional skills. |
| We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026: |
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19 POWER Program graduates |
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17 participants completed the Business Series |
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5 participants submitted childcare license applications |
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4 participants are currently in the licensing application process |
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9 participants are serving as substitutes |
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1 participant is currently working as a childcare assistant |
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| These accomplishments represent dedication, resilience, and a commitment to creating brighter futures for children and families throughout our community. |
| Congratulations to the POWER Class of 2026! Your passion and perseverance inspire us all, and we cannot wait to see the incredible impact you will continue to make. |
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| Final Countdown to Camp |
Greater Waterbury YMCA Camp Mataucha and YMCA Camp Oakasha still have openings in all sessions - but space is filling quickly!
If you are looking to give your child an active summer filled with creating lasting friendships, having life-changing adventures, and creating lifelong memories, then our YMCA Camp Programs are the perfect fit! Camp programs build confidence, character, and self-esteem while in a safe environment with an amazing lineup of positive role models. |
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| Did You Know? Adults Can Have a YMCA Camp Experience! |
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Want to have the "camp” experience with your
co-workers? Our Outdoor Center offers an
“at-camp” and mobile teambuilding events.
Camp staff can tailor a program to meet the needs of your team. You can focus on cooperation, trust building, leadership development, or just plain
old-fashioned fun. |
| For more information on how to tailor your next training with some added campiness, email Adam Dubois, Outdoor Center Director, adubois@waterburyymca.org to learn more. |
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| Phones Down, Eyes Up |
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| Did you know that according to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, 88% of drownings occur with at least one adult present, highlighting the critical need for caregivers to stay alert when supervising children around water. |
| Water safety is taken seriously at the Greater Waterbury YMCA. We offer swimming lessons for children and adults to increase confidence in and around the water, along with lifeguard training. |
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| Another way the Y is focused on reducing distractions around water and increasing attention is through the “Phones Down, Eyes Up” initiative in June. This initiative encourages families to keep their phones away and stay focused while supervising children at pools, lakes, beaches, or other bodies of water. Helpful tips, signs throughout the pool area, and social media posts will be that constant reminder as the days warm up and time around the water increases. Join us in putting down the distractions and keeping eyes on those near the water. |
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| More Than Just Basketball |
| 6th Annual Mamba Tournament |
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The Greater Waterbury YMCA continues its annual Mamba Tournament, a community basketball event created to keep youth and teens active, engaged, and connected through sports.
Inspired by Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” of hard work, focus, and determination, the tournament gives youth and teens a positive outlet while encouraging teamwork, discipline, and leadership both on and off the court. |
| Six years strong, the 3-day tournament brings together high school boys and girls, along with middle school participants, from across the community. |
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| With over 100 youth and teens participating each year, the tournament has become something many young people look forward to every season. More than just basketball, the Mamba Tournament creates a safe and exciting environment that keeps youth and teens involved in something positive and away from negative influences or trouble in the community. |
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| Staff Spotlight: Andre “Dray” |
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| For eight years, Andre “Dray” has been a dedicated part of the Greater Waterbury YMCA. Building strong connections with youth and teens throughout the community, he is known for being trustworthy, supportive, and always keeping it real. Dray is someone many young people look up to for guidance and motivation. The teens especially enjoy challenging him to see who can dunk higher — and at 6’6, he’s always ready for the competition. |
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| Working alongside the Youth & Teen Director, Edna Walton, Dray continues to make a positive impact as both a coach and mentor. Outside of basketball, he also enjoys volleyball and is skilled as a mechanic, bringing great energy and leadership to the YMCA every day. |
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| We Appreciate You |
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| During the week of May 4, we proudly celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week, a special time dedicated to recognizing the incredible educators who help shape the hearts and minds of our youngest learners every single day. |
| From teaching social skills and inspiring creativity to making reading fun and meaningful, our teachers create safe, nurturing environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Their patience, compassion, and dedication make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families throughout our community. |
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| This year, appreciation came in many forms: thoughtful community donations, treats, encouraging words, and heartfelt gratitude from families and colleagues alike. |
| At the Greater Waterbury YMCA, we created this short video as a small token of our appreciation and thanks to the amazing teachers who give so much of themselves each day. Please click the graphic on the left to watch the video. |
| Thank you for all that you do. Your passion, kindness, and commitment truly make a difference. |
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| Teacher of the Month: Elena Mirando |
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| Elena Mirando, our Lead Infant Teacher at the Rose Hill building, is June’s Teacher of the Month. She has a deep love and passion for this field and especially the little ones in her care. She is an outstanding educator, mentor, and role model whose dedication positively impacts not only the children and families she serves but also her entire team. |
| She makes it her mission not only to care for these babies, but also to provide them with the very best opportunities for education and growth. Through engaging, individualized instruction, she supports the different developmental stages of each infant in her classroom. She creates meaningful learning experiences while nurturing every child with patience and compassion is remarkable. |
| Elena’s light is inspiring to everyone around her. In addition to her incredible work with infants, she has taken the initiative in coaching and supporting other teachers who work with this age group. |
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| Rooftop Yoga is Back! |
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| Warm weather is here, making it perfect for yoga outside. We are excited to announce that Sunday morning Rooftop Yoga at Rose Hill has returned. Join us Sunday mornings, beginning May 24 through September 6, from 8:00 am – 9:00 am to welcome the day with a big stretch. |
| The “rooftop” is located behind the main building parking lot with a short walk up the hill. Members are free and registration is not required. Students are encouraged to bring their own mats and water. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amber Upson, Group Fitness Coordinator, aupson@waterburyymca.org |
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| Upcoming |
| American Red Cross Blood Drive |
| Thursday, June 25 | 11 AM - 4 PM | Gymnasium |
| Roll up your sleeve and save a life! We're hosting a Blood Drive and we need YOU. One donation can save up to three lives — sign up today and make a difference right here in our community. |
| Donor Incentive: $15 e-gift card of your choice |
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| Catch Us at these Community Events |
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| City of Waterbury Juneteenth Celebration |
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