Summer Learning Week is a great time to highlight the Greater Providence YMCA’s commitment to giving youth the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve by providing essential resources and programs that bridge gaps across the school year, before and after school hours, and summer vacation. At the Y, we’re passionate about creating a space where kids can thrive, whether it’s during school breaks, before school, or after school. We’re dedicated to providing not just a safe and supportive environment, but also convenient transportation, healthy snacks, and daily physical activities that contribute to their overall well-being. We also strive to make our programs accessible to all families by offering financial assistance and sibling discounts. Our approach goes beyond traditional classroom learning with enrichment activities designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire a lifelong love for learning. 

Recently, the City of Cranston, Cranston Public Schools, and the Greater Providence YMCA received a $366,000 Learn365 grant. This funding is specifically designed to support rising 6th graders transitioning to Hugh B. Bain Middle School. As part of our comprehensive after school and summer learning initiatives, the Greater Providence YMCA will oversee program administration, logistics, and the development of academic enrichment activities. Leveraging our expertise in youth programming, we will offer access to a range of out-of-school resources and curricula, including Summer Acceleration and camp programs. This ensures a holistic and impactful learning experience for all students involved.

The Greater Providence YMCA is grateful to the McKee administration for recognizing our expertise in providing youth programming and access to out of school time resources, including Summer Acceleration and camp programs and we look forward to collaborating with the City of Cranston and Cranston Public Schools to support program administration, logistics, academic planning, and enrichment for 6th graders transitioning to Hugh B. Bain Middle School.

These elements collectively demonstrate our dedication to providing inclusive, supportive, and enriching learning experiences for all children in our community.

– Karen Santilli, CEO of the Greater Providence YMCA

YMCA LIVESTRONG full length 16-9_2 from Greater Providence YMCA on Vimeo.

Elaine Gosciminski had been a member of the Kent County YMCA for years. It was a familiar place, filled with happy memories of learning to swim as a child. However, in 2019, a diagnosis turned Elaine’s life upside down. A constant stream of tests and doctor appointments became her new reality. The diagnosis was cancer, and the fight ahead – a long haul of 9 to 12 months. It was daunting, but the doctors offered a spark of hope: “Give us a year, we’ll give you life back.” Embracing their words, Elaine went through surgery in June, followed by the brutal cycle of chemo starting in July. Each week, the harsh treatment left her drained for days, a constant reminder of the battle within. During a visit to the oncologist’s office, she saw a flyer for the LIVESTRONG program. A seed of possibility was planted. With her nurse navigator’s encouragement, Elaine decided to try it after her chemo lessened in intensity. It was a small step, but a step towards reclaiming her life and fighting back, not just against the disease, but for the future that lay ahead. It offered a chance to connect with other cancer survivors, regain strength, and rebuild her life.

The program was more than just exercise. It was a community. Elaine found solace in shared experiences and encouragement from women who understood the physical and emotional challenges of treatment. They discussed everything from side effects to managing anxieties. This open communication was a relief, a safe space Elaine couldn’t find at home.

One person who stood out was Susanna Bodell the program leader. Susanna provided a supportive environment, checking in on everyone and offering resources for cancer survivors.

The LIVESTRONG program wasn’t a cure, but it was a lifeline. It gave Elaine a reason to get out of the house, connect with others, and feel a sense of normalcy. It was a reminder that she wasn’t alone.

After completing the program, Elaine’s journey continued. She battled chemotherapy-induced heart failure, requiring cardiac rehab. This program mirrored LIVESTRONG’s focus on exercise, healthy living, and social connection.

When the pandemic hit, the Y closed. Elaine found a temporary haven at the cardiac rehab gym. But eventually, she yearned for a more comprehensive environment.

Returning to the Y, Elaine worked with a personal trainer, John, to rebuild her strength. It was a slow but steady process, one she tackled with John’s support and encouragement.

Today, Elaine is back at the Y, a regular fixture in the evening routine. The Y isn’t just a gym for Elaine; it is a second family. From the friendly faces working the evenings to Dominique, the director of operations, asking her how she’s doing now, Elaine feels a sense of belonging.

Elaine’s story highlights the Greater Providence Y’s transformative power. It’s where fitness and community intertwine, offering support and connection when needed. It goes beyond weights and treadmills, fostering friendships and providing a safe space for healing and growth.

The Cranston YMCA is thrilled to announce the installation of five new bike racks, a project that showcases the power of community collaboration. Recognizing the need for additional bike infrastructure to further encourage cycling through the city, the OneCranston Health Equity Zone (OCHEZ) provided the funding for the bike racks outside the Cranston facility, while The Steel Yard’s Public Projects team completed the design and installation. The bike racks were installed by Steel Yard apprentices Justin Figueroa and Nubia Gomez, who completed intensive metal fabrication training. 

The project was celebrated with a special event at the Cranston Y, featuring a generous donation of 30 bike helmets from the Cranston Police Department—for youth participants in the upcoming Race4Chase program. This no-cost youth triathlon program, inspired by the CMAK Foundation, aims to provide kids aged 6 to 12 with a safe and healthy environment to discover the sport of triathlon and inspire them to aim high in sports and life. Our Race4Chase participants are gearing up for their program finale triathlon on Sunday, August 11th, at Fort Adams in Newport, where they will compete alongside youth from seven other program sites across the state. 

We were honored to have representatives from the Cranston Police Department, Cranston Y leadership, OCHEZ staff, Cranston Ward 3 City Councilor John Donegan, members of the Built Environment working group, and participants from Race4Chase join us in our celebration. 

For more information on how to get involved in the resident-driven programs of the OCHEZ, visit OneCranston HEZ. Learn more about The Steel Yard’s Public Projects and Apprenticeship programs by visiting The Steel Yard. Discover the impactful work of the CMAK Foundation at CMAK Foundation. And stay updated with the Cranston YMCA at Cranston YMCA. 

Thank you to all our partners for making this initiative a success and for continually supporting our community’s health and wellness! 

Camp season is upon us at The Y! We sat down with our new Executive Director of Camp Fuller, Josh Schupack, to learn more about his background and why he loves Y summer camps. Josh has worked with The Y nearly his entire professional career. Right out of his undergrad, Josh started as a Village Director with Camp Becket YMCA where he was responsible for 20 high school and college aged staff and two sessions of 64 campers. After completing his masters, Josh then spent nearly eight years working with the YMCA of Greater Nashua where he served as Sports and Teen Director, Camp Spaulding Director, and then Executive Director of Camping Services. After spending one summer as the Executive Director of Camp Soles with the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, he then worked with the team at the YMCA of Central New York for nearly four years where he ultimately served as Executive Director of Southwest YMCA.

You’ve worked for the Y almost your entire career so far. What keeps you coming back?

Early on when I was trying to decide what to do with my life, I found that I was really drawn to the world of building community and places where people feel valued and wanted. I was a Y summer camp kid and I remember having that feeling as a camper myself. The camp aspect of the Y has always jumped out to me the most. I love the Y way of camping and have loved staying with the Y as a place to build community.

You’ve had a taste of working with Y’s all over the Northeast. What drew you to the opportunity with Camp Fuller?

Camp Fuller is one of the oldest and most historic camps in the country. In my most recent role with the Y before coming to the Greater Providence Association, I had been working as a branch executive director for about a year or two. It didn’t take long for me to realize that camp life is what I was missing and truly enjoy. The opportunity to run such a storied camp was what drew me in immediately.

What are you looking forward to the most in your first summer with Camp Fuller?

I’m super looking forward to the opportunity this summer to learn what makes Camp Fuller special. To become a part of a really important and valued community and learn a little about what makes people come year after year and remain committed even after they have left our program as a camper.

What would you say to parents or guardians that are considering camp for their child but have never done it before?

Camp can be a very scary thing. You’re trusting us to take care of the person(s) that you value the most in this world. I would say to them that we value your child as well and our job is to make sure your child grows while they are with us. Sending your kid to camp is a move to make them the best version of themselves that they can be.

What is one of your favorite Y camp memories?

My favorite camp activity when I was working as a camp counselor early in my career with The Y was our drama program. When I was a staff member, I became very involved in this activity. It gave a lot of opportunity to those who maybe aren’t shining stars during the school year or at home or just hanging out with friends and it’s something that everyone in the camp got to witness. It’s really rewarding to see growth with kids over the course of the summer.

When you’re not in camp season, what is life like outside of the Y for you?

My immediate family is my dog, Groot. He and I spend a lot of time walking around in nature. I am a musician; a violin player and I dabble in guitar and piano. I have not found a music community in RI yet since coming back this way, but once camp season is behind me, I want to get more active, but looking forward to that in the fall.

There’s still time to give your child an unforgettable summer! Learn more about day and overnight camp with The Y: https://ymcagreaterprovidence.org/programs/camp/

Longtime Bayside Family YMCA Cycle Instructor and Aquatics Coach Bob Hassan (middle) stands with Greater Providence YMCA CEO Karen Santilli (right) and Bayside Y Executive Director Ryan Queenan (left).

Read the full article highlighting Bob in the Barrington Times.