The Penobscot Bay YMCA has submitted the following statement:

Despite their fitness and membership facilities being closed, the YMCAs across Maine continue to provide essential services in their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, including childcare, emergency food distribution, online wellness classes, and check-ins on seniors.

Across Maine:

• 9 YMCAs are providing childcare for essential workers, serving an average of more than 200 children per day;
• 10 YMCAs are providing food assistance, distributing an average of more than 1,800 meals per day;
• 15 YMCAs are offering virtual fitness classes to more than 350 people per day; and
• 13 YMCAs are offering special supports and services to seniors, including check-ins, virtual wellness classes, and meals.

YMCAs across the state are also partnering with the Red Cross to hold blood drives, hosting virtual story times for children, and providing activity boxes for families. The Y is committed to meeting critical community needs and keeping people socially connected and healthy during an extremely challenging global crisis.

The YMCA Alliance of Maine supports collaboration among the state’s 16 Ys and community partners to increase our impact and advocate for positive change in our communities. Due to its unparalleled reach, the Y is a powerful advocate for our communities and familiar with the needs of the children, families, and individuals throughout the region.

The Penobscot Bay YMCA is involved in all these activities and more. Contact Melissa Bellew, CEO, at mbellew@penbayymca.org for more information.

For information about the Alliance, visit its website: www.ymcamaine.org. For questions about the Maine YMCAs’ work, please contact Meagan Hamblett, Executive Director, YMCA Alliance of Maine, at Meagan.Hamblett@nneymcas.org.