PROVIDENCE, RI – The Greater Providence YMCA (GPYMCA) celebrated the completion of the new gym floor at the Newman Y this afternoon. The newly renovated gym floor will bring a host of benefits to the Newman Y community, including improved safety, enhanced durability, opportunities for new programming and a more vibrant and welcoming environment for the hundreds of members who use the gym weekly.

The event included remarks from GPYMCA CEO Karen Santilli and a performance featuring dancers from Shooting Stars School of Dance, an anchor tenant of the Newman Y.

“Every day I’m reminded of just how special the GPYMCA community is, driven by our shared commitment to the Y’s mission of building a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. To truly live out that mission, it is necessary that the GPYMCA continues to improve and invest in our facilities, ensuring they are safe, welcoming, and adaptable to the evolving needs of our members. The newly renovated gym floor at the Newman Y is a perfect example of that commitment,” said Karen Santilli, CEO of the GPYMCA.

This project was made possible with the support of the Champlin Foundation, Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs, Rep. Steve Howitt, and Senator Marc Pacheco.

“The Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs is honored to represent and secure funding for YMCAs across Massachusetts, including the Newman Y. The funds made available by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to the YMCAs has resulted in amazing upgrades, such as this new gym floor, that hundreds of youth, adults, and families will be able to play on for years to come,” said Kate-Marie Roycroft, CEO of the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs

The gym floor will be the home of 22 Group Exercise classes, dance classes, before and after school programming, summer camps, special events, and more.

“I am incredibly excited to celebrate the completion of the new gym floor at the Newman Y. The gym is one of the most frequently used spaces by our members. I have already seen how the newly renovated space has elevated the member experience,” said Dennisse Medina, Executive Director of the Newman Y.

Individuals or families interested in becoming Newman Y members can register online https://ymcagreaterprovidence.org/join/ or visit the Newman Y located at 472 Taunton Ave in Seekonk, and a staff member can give you a tour of the branch and assist with the member registration process.

In addition to celebrating the new gym floor the Newman Y has two exciting opportunities for both new and current members;

Celtics Basketball Raffle

• The Newman Y is currently raffling an exclusive, one-of-a-kind Boston Celtics 2023-2024 NBA Championship team-signed basketball, featuring the signatures of the entire roster. Raffle tickets are available for purchase at $50 each from September 1st through October 18th. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit scholarships for youth, seniors, and families at the Newman Y. To purchase tickets, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/DqW/.

Jr. Celtics Registration

• The Newman Y is one of the GPYMCA branches offering the Jr. Celtics program beginning in November. The Jr. Celtics Program is designed to provide children ages 5-15 with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of basketball, engage in healthy physical activity, and build self-confidence both on and off the court. The Jr. Celtics Program is also available at the Bayside, Kent, and Cranston Ys. You can register in person or online at https://ymcagreaterprovidence.org.

ABOUT THE GPYMCA

GPYMCA includes six branch locations across Rhode Island and in Seekonk, Massachusetts, plus Providence Youth Services, and Camp Fuller. The organization provides programs for Rhode Islanders and Massachusetts residents of all ages and supports equitable access to health, fitness, recreational, and other services. In addition, GPYMCA supports high-quality out-of-school time programs and other community-based approaches to delivering health and wellness opportunities, academic enrichment and achievement, and doyouth development skills.

When Newman Y members Donna and Steve lost their mother, Elsie Chin Yan in 2012, they sought meaningful ways to honor her memory. Elsie Chin Yan was a supporter of the Newman Y and a local restaurant owner who believed no one should go hungry. With this in mind, Donna and Steve chose to have donations in her memory go towards expanding and enhancing the Newman Y community garden, now called the Elsie Chin Yan Memorial Garden in her honor.

For the past decade, Donna and Steve have turned the garden into a hands-on learning space for kids of all ages. Children actively participate in the entire gardening process, from planting seeds to harvesting their crops, gaining hands-on experience along the way. They learn about nature’s cycles and the basics of gardening, building curiosity, knowledge, and a love for vegetables. The garden has become more than just a green space—it’s a place where kids can actively explore and connect with the natural world.

Earlier this week, children at the Newman Y’s Kid’s World Preschool harvested cherry tomatoes, and in October they will harvest sweet potatoes with Donna and Steve.

The garden’s impact has extended beyond education. Every year, Donna and Steve harvest between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds of fresh vegetables, which they donate to local organizations and Newman Y members. They work closely with We Share Hope in Rumford, an organization distributing food to local pantries across Rhode Island. This annual contribution is a testament to Donna and Steve’s ongoing commitment to helping their local community thrive.

For Steve and Donna, the garden is more than just a plot of land; it’s a ‘labor of love’ that they hope will continue to give back for years to come. Steve, a member of the Newman Y for 37 years, and Donna, who has served on the Newman Y Branch Council for many years, are both steadfast in their dedication to the Y’s mission of promoting healthy living.

The Elsie Chin Yan Memorial Garden is a direct embodiment of the Y’s commitment to healthy living. It provides opportunities for community members to engage in activities that promote physical wellness and connection, helping the community achieve a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Steve and Donna are deeply grateful for the chance to embrace the Y’s mission by making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Donna and Steve are incredibly thankful to all the members of the Newman Y community and beyond who have generously contributed their time, energy, and resources to the garden. They would like to give a special thank you to Bailey Adams and the Berube Family, whose dedication and hard work have been invaluable to the success of the Elsie Chin Yan Memorial Garden.

As they look to the future, Donna and Steve remain committed to supporting the Newman Y and its community outreach, ensuring their mother’s legacy of nurturing both people and plants will continue to grow.

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.

Join us for our upcoming Town Hall meetings at the YMCA. These sessions provide a direct opportunity to engage with our CEO, Karen Santilli, discuss current programs & amenities, future initiatives, and share your valuable feedback.

Check out the list of scheduled dates below to see when we’re visiting your local branch:

• Newman (Seekonk): Monday, May 20 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
• East Side/Mt. Hope: Thursday, May 30 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
• Kent County: Wednesday, June 12 from 6:00 PM to 7:30PM
• Bayside Family: Thursday, June 13 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• South County: Tuesday, June 18 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
• Cranston: Monday, June 24 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

These meetings are an opportunity for us to strengthen our community together. Your participation and insights are vital as we work to enhance our services and facilities. Mark your calendars and join us for thoughtful discussions on shaping the future of the Greater Providence YMCA.

We look forward to seeing you there!