March 16, 2020

UPDATE 3/20/20:Free Meals for Local Students: Pick Up @ the Y

Drive-through meal pick-ups will be available at the Y in Port Royal Monday – Friday from 9 am to 12 pm (noon). BOTH breakfast and lunch can be picked up during this time. THIS IS AN UPDATE STARTING MONDAY, MARCH 23. Meals will be available for ages 18 and younger, children must be present at the time of pick up. All food will be “grab-and-go.”
Breakfast items will vary and may include cereal with milk, fruit, Fruit Frudels, whole grain Pop Tarts, cereal bars, milk and juice. Lunches will be sandwiches, fruit, fresh vegetables and milk. We are able to provide these meals free of charge thru a partnership with Beaufort County School District

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March 11, 2020

KEEPING OUR YMCA HEALTHY: CORONAVIRUS

At the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry, we take your health and safety very seriously. The respiratory illness Coronavirus has spread across the world, and now officials in the U.S. have warned that we might see an outbreak across the United States. When a serious health issue arises, our staff team comes together to reassess our strategies to keep our members and staff healthy.

We understand people may worry about the new Coronavirus. In today’s connected world, an outbreak anywhere can be a risk everywhere. Risk is dependent on exposure. 

While CDC considers the Coronavirus a serious situation and is taking preparedness measures, the immediate risk in the U.S. is considered low. Basic hygiene is the best thing you can do. Everyone should always take simple daily precautions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory illnesses:

  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap or use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol. 
  • Sneeze and cough into tissues.
  • If you get mucus or spit on your skin, clean it off right away.
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially people exhibiting respiratory symptoms and fever.
  • Stay home when you’re sick.
  • Regularly and thoroughly clean surfaces, such as counter tops and doorknobs, with a disinfectant.

The coronavirus is spread through respiratory vapor, such as when someone sneezes or coughs into the air around you. Influenza viruses and common cold viruses are also spread this way.

At the Wardle Family YMCA, these are some precautions and actions that we are initiating:

YMCA staff that are ill will be sent home and asked to stay out of work until they are symptom free.

  • We are asking members who may be ill with a contagious condition to stay home and return to the Y when they are feeling better.
  • YMCA staff that are ill will be sent home and asked to stay out of work until they are symptom free.
  • We are asking that any members or staff the contract the Coronavirus contact us to let us know so we can follow protocol.
  • Additional hand-sanitizer is available to all. We’re have added a hospital-grade sanitizer to all our spray bottles in fitness centers.
  • We are asking all members to clean equipment BEFORE and AFTER workouts, with the antibacterial spray that we provide.
  • Our staff will be cleaning doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, equipment, handles, weights, etc.
  • We will communicate via social media, email blast, and our website of any closing or cancellation of programs.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry

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March 2, 2020

YMCA ANNUAL MEETING CELEBRATES A SUCCESSFUL 2019

(Port Royal, March 2, 2020): On Thursday, February 20, 2020 the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry welcomed members and guests to their  Annual Meeting, which recognized volunteers, donors and staff who helped advance the Y’s cause to strengthen the foundation of our community.

The meeting was presided over by in-coming YMCA Board Chair, Bennett Schiller, and Y CEO, Michael Bostwick. Bennett J. Schiller, III is a partner in the Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm. Mr. Schiller is a graduate of The Citadel and earned his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He has served on the YMCA Board in various capacities including Treasurer and Vice-Chairman for 5 years.

During the annual meeting the Y welcomed three new board members: City of Beaufort Human Resources Assistant Shantell Miller; retired businessman Larry Schaefer; and Port Royal Town Councilman and lawyer, Kevin Phillips.

The Y celebrated the many programs, services and opportunities they provide and, most importantly, gave thanks to the volunteers that truly bring magic to the Y. 

During the program, four volunteer/organizations received special recognition for their service to the Y and Y staff member, Karen Prince, was presented with the employee of the year award. Prince has been with the Y for seventeen years working in the YMCA childcare department.

Jennifer Tuckwiller received the 2019 Robert V. Wardle Service to Youth Award.  This award is given in honor of Robert V. Wardle, whose donations were instrumental in the founding and continued operation of the Wardle Family YMCA. Long time Y member Jennifer Tuckwiller is the past YMCA Board chair and a member of the Beaufort Beach Ball Fundraiser & Auction Committee as well as a volunteer and sponsor of the annual Beaufort River Swim and BYAC Swim Team.

Carolina Sportscare and Physical Therapy was named Community Partner of the Year awarded to the Y partner who exemplifies a strong commitment in strengthening our community; Community Bible Church was named Volunteer of the Year in recognition of demonstrating exceptional dedication to YMCA values by giving of time and talent; and Carmen Meyer was recognized as  Active Older Adult of the Year for demonstrating a love of life by being active and being a model for healthy living that has no age limit. 

The Y also celebrated the positive impact made through Y programs and services; welcoming 2184 new members in 2019, that overall expands the Y reach to 12,000+ children, families and adults through YMCA sports, summer camps, childcare, BYAC swim team, wellness programs, and swimming lessons. The Y’s Annual Scholarship Campaign provided financial assistance totaling $345,147 for YMCA programs and services. Those in attendance were also treated to two powerful and personal Y stories; one by long-time Y supporter Brenda Black and one from Y Preschool parent Doshie Sample.

Overall, members visited the Y 121,228 times throughout 2019. The Y is thankful for the efforts of the many volunteers that contributed hundreds of hours of their time to assist the Y with everything from coaching youth sports, to planning and running special events, to reading with our afterschool program students.

Incoming Y Board Chair, Bennet Schiller closed the meeting by recalling his own Y story, a wonderful kick-off to the 2020 Annual Scholarship Campaign.

Click Here to download and read our 2019 Annual Report YMCA Annual Report.Download
Bennett Schiller, YMCA CVO & Board Chair
Jennifer Tuckwiller & Michael Bostwick
Karen Prince (center) YMCA Employee of the Year with Kaylin Garst (l) and Ebony Bolles (r)
Carllina Sportscare & Physical Therapy, YMCA Community Partner of the Year
Carmen Meyer (r), YMCA Active Older Adult of the Year with Denice Fanning (l)
Community Bible Church 2019 Volunteer of the Year
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YMCA BRANCH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KAYLIN GARST FEATURED PRESENTER AT THE 2020 INTERSTATE MIGRANT EDUCATION COUNCIL (IMEC)

Kaylin Garst

(Port Royal, Feb. 19, 2020): Kaylin Garst, Executive Branch Director of the Wardle Family YMCA located in Port Royal, was a featured speaker at The Interstate Migratory Education Council Meeting held Jan. 22-24, 2020 in Charleston, SC. The Interstate Migrant Education Council (IMEC) is nationally-recognized organization that  consists of prominent individuals who volunteer their time and expertise to enhance educational opportunities for migrant students who are without a natural advocacy group. The January meeting was attended by representatives from 23 states including staff from the SC Department of Education and Deputy State Superintendent John R. Payne.

Garst’s presentation titled ‘Making More Possible’ highlighted the YMCA ‘s successful Migrant Summer Education Camp held annually for children of seasonal migrant workers and Out of School Youth (OSY), who are in Beaufort County while working the local summer produce harvest. Payne commented that, “Garst’s presentation not only reflected her knowledge and dedication, but equally showed a national audience the great work we are doing in South Carolina.”

The presentation explained the YMCA program and how the Y’s existing areas of focus; youth development, healthy living and social responsibility are incorporated in the daily activities of the campers and OSY participants.  It also focused on the benefits of operating a Migrant Education Program (MEP) through a YMCA as well as the importance of involving community partners in order to enhance the camp experience, including authentic education applications, i.e. “real world experiences”.  The presentation embraced the importance of celebrating accomplishments that many times result in powerful moments for the campers, volunteers and staff.  Moments many remember and value the rest of their lives.

Francisco Garcia, Executive Director of the IMEC added that Garst’s presentation was “very focused and provided meeting participants with a very good understanding of SC’s educational and mission for educating all children including migrant children.” He added that, “She demonstrated a commitment for educational equity while showing that with coordination of services much could be accomplished. The information (she) shared contributed to the overall success of the meeting.”

In June 2020 The Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry will host its 5th consecutive MEP summer camp and OSY program.

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February 11, 2020

WARDLE FAMILY YMCA 2020 CPR TRAINING DATES

The Wardle Family YMCA, located at 1801 Richmond Ave in Port Royal, offers CPR classes for community members on Saturdays from 8am-12:00 pm on the following dates in 2020: March 7, April 4, May 9, May 16, June 27, July 18, Aug. 22, Sept. 12, Oct 24  and Nov. 21. Cost is $35 for this YMCA certified course and those interested need to register at the Y as space is limited and filled on a first come, first serve basis. Questions? Contact Lou Bergen, Aquatics Director to register for this class. Call the Y:  843-522-9622 or visit: beaufort-jasperymca.org

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