Ways to Give
The YMCA is the Charity of Choice for so many because every dollar, every penny of your donation goes directly towards continuing the programs that have been proven to make a difference in our community. For over 141 years the YMCA has been instrumental in addressing community needs.
Through the YMCA Healthy Living Center and other Branches the YMCA is committed to reversing the trends that have created our current health crisis. We're working to combat chronic disease, help people make positive lifestyle behavior changes and raising healthy families.
Annual Support Campaign (AKA: Partner With Youth)
At the YMCA, when we say "for all" we really mean it! Due to the generosity of many local donors, the YMCA strives to never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Through our Annual Support Campaign, individuals and businesses in the community partner with the YMCA to make sure everyone can be a part of the YMCA. At the YMCA Healthy Living Center we focus our financial assistance on individuals who for physical or medical reasons need this facility.
Dollars raised are an investment in the future of thousands of lives in our area by providing scholarships to those in need. Last fiscal year the YMCA of Greater Des Moines provided 34,489 scholarships valued at $1,625,914 in financial assistance to our community to ensure participation in all YMCA programs. In every sense our Annual Support Campaign is an investment for the future of central Iowa communities.
The 2010 goal for this year's campaign is $1,180,000. Every penny of your contribution will help engage an individual or family in the YMCA's world of positive values, guidance and health.
FES ~ Functional Electronic Stimulator
The YMCA is working to raise money to add an FES to our line of fitness equipment. An FES is a bike that will benefit people living with a spinal cord injury or other neuromuscular deficiencies. It resembles a recumbent stationary bike and is used to exercise and strengthen the lower and upper body. Electrical leads are placed on the involved body parts which stimulate the muscles to move and to power the bike. The FES has been shown to improve and maintain muscle tone in people with spinal cord injuries. There is research which suggests that improvement of leg motor function is possible. The bike can be used to help anyone who does not have use of his or her legs or arms because of an injury or illness. This could include people who have suffered a stroke, have MS, and those who have incurred a spinal cord injury as a result of an accident.
Ben's story: Ben is a young man who sustained a spinal cord injury from diving into a pond. While at Craig hospital in Denver Ben was introduced to the FES. He benefited from the time he used it and therapist and family believe he could benefit further from continued use. Ben's family and loved ones are helping to raise funds to purchase an FES for the YMCA Healthy Living Center. Ben and others would benefit from this exciting technology.
Those interested in contributing can make checks payable to YMCA - FES Fund and deliver or mail them to the YMCA Healthy Living Center at 12493 University Avenue, Clive, Iowa 50325.
More Ways to Give . . .
YMCA of Greater Des Moines Healthy Living Center™