(Port Royal, May 4, 2020): Like the rest of the world, the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry is pivoting to do what is best for the community at large during the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 23, 2020, following SC Governor McMasters mandate the YMCA closed our facility to member use and has solely focused on new community needs which include operating a grab-and-go community meal program and Emergency Personnel Kids Camp. Bank of America Merrill, a long time YMCA supporter, is assisting the Y in providing these basic needs by generously providing a $10,000 grant to help with a portion of the operating costs of these programs at this unprecedented time.
YMCA Emergency Personnel Kids Camp is available for children of medical professionals and first responders.
These included providing
childcare for medical professionals and first responders so they need not worry
if their children are in a safe place, as they care for our Beaufort-area
neighbors affected by the Coronavirus. In addition, to providing this Emergency
Personnel Kids Camp the Y is also operating a grab-and-go community meal
program for local students age 18 and under in conjunction with the Beaufort
Count School District.
“We truly appreciate the
Bank of America Charitable Foundation and Merrill for their donation to the
Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry,” said Kaylin Garst, YMCA Executive
Branch Director. “With their support, we were able to quickly respond to these
immediate needs in our local community, even in the midst of this pandemic. These
programs not only strengthen our community when we need it most, but they shine
a light on the critical work the Y does when we receive support from terrific
partners like Bank of America Merrill.”
“As we collectively navigate this health and humanitarian crisis, we recognize that the private sector can play a pivotal role to help communities in need like Beaufort,” said Mark Munn, Charleston/Hilton Head Market President for Bank of America. “The Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry is the perfect partner for these efforts because of their work to provide relief directly to the community through needed meals and child care for frontline personnel.”
Three healthy meals per day are provided for children participating in the YMCA Emergency Personnel Kids Camp.
The Grab-And-Go Meal Program is open to our entire community located in the parking lot of our Y. Anyone age 18 and under can receive a full breakfast and lunch including juice and milk Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 pm. Since the beginning of this service, The Y has provided over 2,000 meals to our community. Additionally, to ensure that these children have access to books, the Y provides them with free books daily, (all age appropriate books) to keep.
The Wardle Family YMCA is a distribution point for grab-n-go meals (breakfast and lunch) for local students age 18 and younger.
The Emergency Personnel Kids Camp is available for children ages 4 to 12
years old and takes place from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm, Monday through Friday at the
Wardle Family YMCA in Port Royal. We are offering extended hours compared to
our regular day-camp programs, in order to meet the needs of these first
responders as they work shifts of 10+ hours per day. All program participants
receive three healthy meals per day during the program.
About
the YMCA: The Wardle Family YMCA was
charted in 1990 and opened its doors in June 1996. The YMCA is a locally autonomous non-profit
organization made up of voluntary membership that is open to individuals of all
ages, race, religion, incomes and abilities. The mission of the Beaufort-Jasper
YMCA of the Lowcountry is to put Christian principles into practice through
programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry
currently serves approximately 12,000 individuals annually through the programs
and services provided in Beaufort and Jasper counties. beaufort-jasperymca.org
About
Bank of America
At
Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives
better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through
responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance
(ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and
reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and
represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business
with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for
our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and
the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An
important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and
advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations,
to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater
impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter
(@BofA_News).
Bank
of America has delivered more than $2 billion in philanthropic investments
since 2009, with approximately $250 million in 2019 alone. In April 2019, the
company announced a $5 billion Bank of America Community Homeownership
Commitment™ to benefit low- and moderate-income homebuyers and communities
across the U.S. over the next five years. Also in 2019, Bank of America
Community Development Banking provided a record $4.88 billion in loans, tax
credit equity investments and other real estate development solutions. Between
2005 and 2019, Bank of America financed 202,800 affordable housing units. To
meet the unique needs of its 12 million small business owners, the company
provides advice, solutions and dedicated support. Bank of America maintained
its position as the nation’s top small business lender at the end of 2019, with
$38.9 billion in total outstanding small business loan balances (defined as
business loans in original amounts of $1 million and under), up 7% year over
year.
For
more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important
information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email
alerts.
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
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.
(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.
Bennett Schiller, YMCA CVO & Board ChairJennifer Tuckwiller & Michael BostwickKaren Prince (center) YMCA Employee of the Year with Kaylin Garst (l) and Ebony Bolles (r)Carllina Sportscare & Physical Therapy, YMCA Community Partner of the YearCarmen Meyer (r), YMCA Active Older Adult of the Year with Denice Fanning (l)Community Bible Church 2019 Volunteer of the Year
(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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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
So would you like you like to join our monthly digital mailing list? Then by all means have this newsletter delivered directly to your inbox: click here to sign up
So would you like you like to join our monthly digital mailing list? Then by all means have this newsletter delivered directly to your inbox: click here to sign up
