Media & Blog

MEDIA CONTACT:
JT Turner
Email: media@vosymca.org | Phone: (602) 257-5161

THE VALLEY OF THE SUN YMCA’S IMPACT IS FELT EVERY DAY ACROSS ARIZONA.

At the Y, strengthening our community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child, and when a community comes together for the common good. We help youth, adults, and families from all walks of life reach their goals and contribute to solutions that improve communities. We believe that goodness truly begins here at Valley of the Sun YMCA.

CHAIR YOGA? WHY NOT!?

CHAIR YOGA? WHY NOT!?

According to the CDC, “older adults can obtain significant health benefits with moderate physical activity.” No matter how you start moving, it is important that you do so. At the Y, we understand the importance of providing our community with programs and activities that promote healthy living. For older adults we offer Chair Yoga.


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RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A SELF-HEALING JOURNEY

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A SELF-HEALING JOURNEY

The first time I got diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis I was 22. 8 years later the arthritis is here, but not stronger than ever. The road has been and difficult, but when you have the mentality prepared to face it all, everything changes.


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WATER SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS, PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS

WATER SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS, PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS

Childhood drownings are the leading cause of accidental death of children in Arizona under the age of five. At the YMCA, we strive to provide programs that provide critical safety around water knowledge and teach swimming skills.


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FROM VOLUNTEER TO EMPLOYEE

FROM VOLUNTEER TO EMPLOYEE

At the YMCA, you’ve probably heard of some other case of someone who has volunteered and then got to start their career with us. It is essential to provide opportunities to our community.


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FRIENDS WHO WORKOUT TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER

FRIENDS WHO WORKOUT TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER

At the YMCA, we are a hard-working organization that strives to offer the best to the community. When you are part of us, you are part of a family that seeks to give the best and always makes you feel welcome. Each employee delivers dedication and love to each member through our programs, activities, and services.


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VOLUNTEERING WITH PURPOSE: ANDREW AHO

VOLUNTEERING WITH PURPOSE: ANDREW AHO

At the Y, we have opportunities for everyone to share their time, dedication and expertise while serving their community. A volunteer’s time and talent can go a long way to help a child, mentor a teen or being a sport coach.


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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

In 1987, the United States Congress designated March 1987 as Women’s History Month. However, it was only the year before, in 1988, that the president officially issued proclamations of its celebration. Previously it was held for just one week and was an initiative organized by the school district of Sonoma, California in 1978.


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LITTLE FREE LIBRARY: AN INITIATIVE OF FREE BOOKS FOR ALL!

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY: AN INITIATIVE OF FREE BOOKS FOR ALL!

If you’ve ever been to the Northwest Valley Family YMCA or the Southwest Valley Family YMCA, you’ve probably seen a little box of books found at the entrance. This little box is called the Little Free Library and it is a nonprofit organization that focuses on “building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries.”


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Black History Month Employee Spotlight: Fred Quarles

Black History Month Employee Spotlight: Fred Quarles

In February, the Valley of the Sun YMCA celebrates and honors Black History Month by spotlighting our super talented employees of the Black community. Meet Fred Quarles, Executive Director at Southwest Valley YMCA. Fred is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Performance Psychology at Grand Canyon University.


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Black History Month Employee Spotlight: Deontez Wimbley

Black History Month Employee Spotlight: Deontez Wimbley

In February, the Valley of the Sun YMCA celebrates and honors Black History Month by spotlighting our super talented employees of the Black community. Meet Deontez Wimbley our Director of Teen Programs and Government Outreach.


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Black History Month Employee Spotlight: Amber Mayer

Black History Month Employee Spotlight: Amber Mayer

In February, the Valley of the Sun YMCA celebrates and honors Black History Month by spotlighting our super talented employees of the Black community. Meet Amber Mayer, Program Director of Childcare at Southwest Valley Family YMCA who has been working for the Y for over a year.


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Y Member Spotlight: Kathy MaCabe

Y Member Spotlight: Kathy MaCabe

Kathy holds a special place at the Desert Foothills Family YMCA! If you have ever spent time in the Desert Foothills Family YMCA, you have probably seen Kathy in the gym area or attending our Zumba classes with Shannon.


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Celebrating Black History Month at the Y

Celebrating Black History Month at the Y

Since 1976, the month of February has been designated for every U.S president as a month to celebrate and recognize the contributions and achievements of African American in their central role in the U.S history.


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A WRAP UP OF 2021!

A WRAP UP OF 2021!

What a year! We say goodbye to 2021, looking back recognizing everything the Valley of the Sun YMCA did for our community. A year in which the Y undoubtedly work nonstop to deliver the best programs, resources and activities for everyone.


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FOCUSING ON SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING DURING COVID-19 TIMES!

FOCUSING ON SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING DURING COVID-19 TIMES!

On Monday, January 17, we invited Larry Kerby to spend the morning at Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA to train our association wide Youth Development staff on positive supportive behavior. Larry Kerby, MBA is a sought after entertaining and engaging speaker. He helps parents and teachers to create more joy, peace and happiness by understanding their role with children.


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Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by Volunteering at the Y!

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by Volunteering at the Y!

As we make our way through the month of January, it’s important to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a pioneer in the world of positive improvement and change, with the celebration of the MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 17.


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healthy new year’s resolutions YOU CAN ACTUALLY KEEP!

healthy new year’s resolutions YOU CAN ACTUALLY KEEP!

The start of a new year is a great time to give yourself a fresh start with resolutions you can keep to pursue personal growth. When we make resolutions for this year, it is important to be mindful of what we want to achieve. Setting goals that are achievable, as well as making resolutions with friends, family and loved ones can help increase your odds of accomplishing them.


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MAKE YOUR OWN VISION BOARD FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME!

MAKE YOUR OWN VISION BOARD FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME!

Manifestation is an act of mindfulness. The more aware we are of what we do, the more present we are. At the Y, our impact focuses on improving our community’s health and well-being by offering support, guidance, resources, facilities, and expertise. Our classes are designed to improve the mental, physical, and spiritual health of the members of our community.


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IMPROVING MY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

IMPROVING MY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The Y has undoubtedly supported me in that journey, ensuring that I have the necessary tools to stay healthy. One of those tools has been to strengthen my body and my mind through personal training.


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ARE YOU READY FOR PERSONAL TRAINING?

ARE YOU READY FOR PERSONAL TRAINING?

At the Y, we thrive to improve our community’s health and well-being by offering support, guidance, resources, facilities and expertise. Throughout the Valley, each Y location has certified personal trainers who prioritizes your health and well-being while helping you achieve your health and fitness goals.


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Enjoy the Holiday Season in a Healthy Way!

Enjoy the Holiday Season in a Healthy Way!

The Y is here to help keep you on track with healthy living habits. Our Healthy Living Executive Director, Paul McKim, has put together 10 tips to stay healthy in the holiday season.


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STUDENTS TODAY, LEADERS TOMORROW With Education

STUDENTS TODAY, LEADERS TOMORROW With Education

On December 1st through December 3rd, Arizona students with different racial background, religious backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses came together to experiences civic engagement in the Arizona State Capitol. Through the Valley of the Sun YMCA’s Model Legislature program, 100 high school students debated 54 student drafted bills addressing education, gun safety, health, LGBTQ issues and more.


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Achieving New Heights

Achieving New Heights

Our mission is to serve; to serve all individuals, regardless of age, income, or background. That means finding impactful ways to influence individuals from different economic backgrounds to help them achieve great success in their education and career paths. The Y Achiever’s program is just one avenue that the Valley of the Sun YMCA helps youth and young adults get started in a direction of life they might not have ever thought possible.


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Active Older Adults: Why Seniors Should be Active

Active Older Adults: Why Seniors Should be Active

Making sure that older adults get psychical activity is very important to allow their muscles to grow stronger and avoid serious conditions that deteriorate their health. At the Y, we are committed to promoted exercise among our older adults’ members to contribute to maintaining their health and wellbeing.


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