FEBRUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER

A Message from the CEO

If you’re one of the many new members who joined us in January, you might be thinking, “Okay… now what?”

Trust us, we get it. Our membership offers A LOT from day one. Consider this a quick orientation to help you plug in and feel at home.

To start, welcome!! Your membership includes full access to all six GPYMCA branches, so you can choose what fits your routine. Pick a branch that's closest to home one day, and one that's closest to work the next:

• Bayside Family YMCA — Barrington

• Cranston YMCA — Cranston

• East Side / Mt. Hope YMCA — Providence

• Kent County YMCA — Warwick

• Newman YMCA — Seekonk, MA

• South County YMCA — South Kingstown

And while the facilities matter, the Y experience is about more than equipment. We're also a community convener, a place where routines turn into friendships. Over time, you start seeing familiar faces, learning names, and building a few friendly connections. Across our branches, the Y brings together neighbors who might not otherwise cross paths, and that sense of belonging is part of what makes this place special.

You can hear that directly from one of our members. Here's what the Kent County Y has meant to Barbara, in her own words:

Watch the Video

If you're deciding how to use your membership, many members find it helps to choose one or two weekly “anchors” and let their routine build from there. A few great options already included with membership:

• Group Exercise Classes: Great if you want structure and built-in community.
• Pool Access: A sustainable, low-impact way to stay active.
• Wellness Floors: Straightforward equipment and space to work out at your own pace.

We also work hard to make the Y fit real life, especially for families. At all our branches, Kids Care is included during designated hours, so parents can focus on their wellness while children are cared for nearby. Membership also includes discounted pricing for childcare and summer camp, which is worth considering as you make your summer plans. 

Finally, as a nonprofit, the GPYMCA exists to keep programs accessible and welcoming for neighbors across our community. Your membership and contributions support that mission and strengthens the neighborhoods we serve. 

Looking ahead, we have a lot to be excited about, including a renovated East Side/Mt. Hope Y lobby, a new Kent County Y gymnasium floor, and a new scheduling app that will make it easier to reserve your spot in class. Most of all, we look forward to seeing you in our branches and welcoming you into the GPYMCA family. 

Thanks for choosing us! We're so happy you did! 
Warmly,