The YMCA Alliance of Northern New England is the recipient of a two-year, $80,000 grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation to expand Maine cancer survivors’ access to LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a unique evidence-based program designed to support cancer survivor’s physical health and social connectedness. During the first year of funding, 64 participants at eight YMCAs across Maine completed the program. Starting this month, a second year of funding will allow YMCAs to further expand access to this life changing program.

“We are grateful to the Maine Cancer Foundation for helping the YMCA reach more cancer survivors. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is an evidence-based program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis,” said Meagan Hamblett, CEO of the YMCA Alliance of Northern New England, in a news release.”YMCAs create a welcoming community in which survivors can improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of therapy side effects, develop supportive relationships, and improve their quality of life.”

The 15 YMCAs in Maine serve more than 95,000 people across the state each year. The YMCA Alliance of Northern New England supports collaboration amongst the state’s Ys and community partners to increase their impact and advocate for positive change in their communities.

The 15 YMCAs in Maine are:

Auburn-Lewiston YMCA • Bangor Region YMCA • Bath Area Family YMCA • Boothbay Region YMCA • Central Lincoln County YMCA • Down East Family YMCA • Kennebec Valley YMCA • Mount Desert Island YMCA • Old Town-Orono YMCA • Penobscot Bay YMCA • Piscataquis Regional YMCA • Sanford-Springvale YMCA • State YMCA of Maine • Waldo County YMCA • YMCA of Greater Waterville • YMCA of Southern Maine

“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,” said the release.

YMCA locations can be viewed here: https://nneymcas.org/find-your-ymca/

For information about the Alliance, visit its website: www.nneymcas.org.