This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
The YMCA of Northern Colorado will be closing their fitness centers, ice rink, pools, and on-site programs beginning March 16 through March 29, and instead will be using their facilities to "run critical childcare for youth in the communities we serve", according to an email sent by Chris Coker, President & CEO of the YMCA of Northern Colorado.
The YMCA of Northern Colorado includes the Boulder, Lafayette, Longmont, and Johnstown YMCA.
"We encourage families to keep their children at home, if possible; however, some parents must work and some parents are critical to the response of this public health crisis. These families need safe and reliable places for their children."
"If you are in need of childcare, please visit our Emergency Childcare program; Longmont Inspire Preschool will run as long as we are able," the email stated.
To read the email in full, please see below:
Dear Valued Members and Families,
Social responsibility has long been a core tenet of the Y. We have been called on in times of crisis, conflict and strife to shift from swim, fitness and wellness programs to critical services based upon the needs of the community.
In light of the uncertainty created by the closure of schools and the increased threat of the coronavirus, we must focus our resources on those we can best support. We have, therefore, made the difficult decision to close our fitness centers, ice rink, pools and on-site programs beginning March 16 through March 29, and utilize our facilities to run critical childcare for youth in the communities we serve. If you are registered for a program that takes place in the next two weeks, you will receive communication about virtual options, cancellations or postponement in the next couple days.
Over the past several days, the Colorado YMCAs have been contacted by emergency and medical services and asked to provide childcare for their mission-critical staff: EMS, medical personnel, law enforcement and fire. If we do not provide care for their K-5th children, we run the risk of those staff having to stay at home. We also need to consider the fact that many of the families in our communities are hourly workers and live paycheck to paycheck. If they do not work, they do not eat. This safety net issue is very real and will have consequences for many families within 48 hours.
If you are in need of childcare, please visit our Emergency Childcare program; Longmont Inspire Preschool will run as long as we are able.
We encourage families to keep their children at home, if possible; however, some parents must work and some parents are critical to the response of this public health crisis. These families need safe and reliable places for their children.
Since our inception in 1874, the YMCA of Northern Colorado has looked challenge in the face. We have stepped up to serve as a Red Cross shelter during fires and floods. Every day, we respond to food inequality issues and the challenges of low-income families and individuals. We help fight chronic disease and battle the deficits caused by neurodegenerative diseases. We have worked to end childhood drowning.
Now, we face a new challenge, and we ask that you join us in our work. We ask that you continue to pay your membership fee so that we can use this revenue to do good during the time of uncertainty. Naturally, we will put your membership on hold, but if you want to join us in service to others, we invite you to join us. We are asking you to support us in service of our children. For however long we are on hold, we will send you a donation letter for tax purposes to reflect your membership fees during the closure.
As members, we care about you and your health and wellness. You are the heart of this organization, and we know how much you depend on the Y. We hope you understand how difficult this decision has been. We ask that you support each other and stay connected. Reach out to your fellow members and neighbors, especially those who may be isolated during this time. If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19, please call the COHELP line at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911.
We are working on some virtual wellness options over the coming days. You can now visit the Y360 Youtube page to stream a growing number of video fitness classes. We also have access to MOSSA MOVE for digital workouts. Both opportunities are free. You can like us on Facebook to watch fitness-related videos and tips. And we will keep in communication about other options soon (please sign up for our enewsletter to stay in communication).
The coronavirus has created enormous uncertainty; however, how we manage it is in our control. Join us in creating a history that demonstrates how we came together and served those who needed us the most.
Chris Coker
President/CEO
YMCA of Northern Colorado
