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(Port Royal, Oct. 15, 2020): The Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry is participating in the Five Days of Action, October 26-30, 2020. The Five Days of Action is a week designed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse.
The Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry encourages adults and organizations in the community to play a vital role in making Beaufort and Japer Counties a safer place for children, especially during this ever-changing environment. As our communities continue to press pause and participate in social distancing, we know that protecting kids looks different this year. Not only is our community dealing with a pandemic that is separating kids in need from the safe adults in their lives, but there are spikes in domestic violence, cries for social justice for Black lives, and more concerns about the mental health of youth and adults.
Five Days of Action will help communities and parents/caregivers take it One Day at a Time and will offer tips, tools, activities, and resources that are relevant to the current environment.
When adults know how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and respond quickly to prevent abuse, they foster a culture of child abuse prevention. Together, we can bring awareness to the issue of child sexual abuse in our communities and have important conversations around how we can all work together to prevent it from happening.
“Protecting children from sexual abuse must be the number one goal of every person who cares about the health and well-being of kids,” said Kaylin Garst, Executive Branch Director of the Wardle Family YMCA in Port Royal. “Together, we can stand up to demand that children are protected and encourage adults to make it happen in our community. It takes all of us.”
The Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry, with support from the YMCA Guardians for Child Protection, YMCA of the USA, Darkness to Light, the Redwoods Group Foundation, and Praesidium have made materials available to help adults learn more about preventing child sexual abuse.
For more information about preventing child sexual abuse visit https://www.fivedaysofaction.org/
Materials are derived from YMCA of the USA’s “Know. See. Respond.” copyrighted in 2020.
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE STATISTICS – PROVIDED BY DARKNESS TO LIGHT
WHAT TO DO IF YOU BELIEVE A CHILD IS BEING ABUSED – PROVIDED BY DARKNESS TO LIGHT
The Wardle Family YMCA will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, Sept 7., 2020. Have a safe and enjoyable long weekend!
(Port Royal, August 31, 2020): The Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry last week added another layer of COVID protection to the Wardle Family YMCA facility in Port Royal: Global Plasma Solutions (GPS) proprietary needlepoint bipolar ionization technology. With assistance of local mechanical engineering company Carolina Air, Inc., and with funds raised by the current YMCA Board of Directors all of the HVAC units on premises now utilize this technology.
Jennifer Tuckwiller, Carolina Air Business Manager/Owner and former CVO of the YMCA adds, “GPS technology is safe and does not produce harmful ozone like traditional bipolar Ionization systems. GPS is considered to be the gold standard in air purification and is used in commercial environments such as Duke Health, The Cleveland Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Phoenix Skyharbour Airport, NY Presbyterian Hospital, Harvard, Yale, Clemson, SMU, LSU, Texas A & M, and many more institutions across the United States.”
GPS technology uses the process of needlepoint bipolar ionization (NPBI)™that clears the air of particles faster. Independent laboratory testing has proven this method to be both safe and effective. Ionization targets pathogens with ions which disrupts the pathogens’ surface proteins, rendering them inactive. The devices run continuously to kill & filter viruses (like COVID-19), allergens, mold spores, bacteria, odors, and more!
Michael Bostwick, YMCA CEO, adds, “The health and safety of our members and visitors will always be our top priority so we are pleased to be able to install this state-of-the-art technology. We are grateful to our Board for raising the funding for this purchase and to Carolina Air, Inc. for their assistance in researching this product and providing their installation as an in-kind donation.”
The Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry continues to follow all protocols outlined in their Phase 3 Reopening Guidelines as recommended by DHEC, as well as the Town of Port Royal Face Covering Ordinance. For more information please visit beaufort-jasperymca.org.
Thursday, August 27, 2020
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wardle Family YMCA
All donors will receive a FREE OneBlood Gift! Plus, a wellness checkup including COVID-19 antibody test, blood pressure, temperature,
iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening!
To make an appointment, please visit
www.oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code #31115
Note that there will be no paper sign up sheet @ the Y so please register online. Thank you.
Do not present to donate if you have a fever. You must wait at least 14 days before donating if you have been exposed to someone who has or may have COVID-19, have recently been tested and are
pending test results for COVID-19 or if you have a confirmed active case of COVID-19.
(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.
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.”
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 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:
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.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry
(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.
