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WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU During this season of gratitude, we are incredibly thankful for Y

donors and volunteers like you who provide life-changing

opportunities for those in need. Your generosity ensures that

families like Vanessa’s are able to find the resources and support

they need to thrive at the Y.

You may remember Vanessa from a story we shared earlier this

year. Her daughter Rachel participated in Safety Around Water,

overcoming her fear of water and learning to swim. This summer

they returned to the program and Rachel embraced a new challenge

– passing a swim assessment. Watch her story >>

Supporters like you make inspiring stories like Vanessa and Rachel’s

possible. Thank you so much. See more of your impact in action on

our website and YouTube channel.

Mark your calendars for November 29 and

get ready to help us spread the word about

supporting the Y on #GivingTuesday!

IN THIS ISSUE

The Y gives thanks—for you

Y Achievers summits build social capital and promote civic engagement

Y Readers school year snapshot

Funding updates

Y READERS SNAPSHOT

Y Readers launched the school year program in late October at Albemarle Road, Nations Ford, and Reid Park elementary schools. Here’s a snapshot, by the numbers:

177 students enrolled

114 volunteer reading

buddies

47 afterschool staff,

including certified teachers

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NOVEMBER 2016

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Y ACHIEVERS SUMMITS BUILD SOCIAL CAPITAL & PROMOTE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT It’s been a busy fall for students participating in Y Achievers at

Garinger, Vance, West Charlotte and West Mecklenburg high schools.

In addition to attending twice-weekly afterschool sessions that follow

the University of Chicago’s 6to16 college-readiness curriculum,

students have participated in monthly summits designed to foster

dialogue, increase awareness and encourage civic engagement.

In October, the YMCA’s Y Achievers and Teen Leaders programs

hosted a Teen Town Hall featuring a panel discussion on social

capital, local government and the election process. Panelists

included Councilmember LaWana Mayfield, County Commissioner

Matthew Ridenhour, Attorney Thomas Powers and Entrepreneur

Derrick Davis. Mayor Jennifer Roberts also attended the summit and

spoke to teens about the importance of being actively engaged in

your community.

The November summit focused on giving teens a taste of

philanthropic careers. They heard from local nonprofit professionals

and also made lunches for the homeless residents of Urban Ministry

Center. It was a great day of giving back for our Y Achievers!

FUNDING UPDATES

Y Achievers received a gift

of $25,000 from UTC Aerospace Systems. This is their sixth year supporting the program at that level. We are thankful for UTC’s continued investment in college and career readiness!

STORIES OF IMPACT is a monthly newsletter about the Y’s philanthropic initiatives that yield measurable outcomes; it highlights the life changing work we do and those who make it possible.

With so many inspiring stories to tell, it’s impossible to include them all. Click on the icons below to see more of our impact in action. Together, we’re addressing critical needs to make our community a better place for all.