PROVIDENCE, RI — The Greater Providence YMCA is excited to announce the launch of the Jr. Celtics program, a collaborative youth basketball initiative with the Boston Celtics. This program aims to foster athletic skills, teamwork, and personal growth among young athletes in the community.

Starting this November, the Jr. Celtics program will be available at four Y locations: Newman, Bayside, Kent, and Cranston. This initiative 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 will feature:

• Professional coaching from trained Y staff and Celtics personnel.
• Skills clinics focusing on dribbling, shooting, passing, and defense.
• Team-building activities and sportsmanship lessons.
• Special events and an award ceremony at the end of the program

“We are thrilled to partner with the Boston Celtics to bring the Jr. Celtics program to our community. This collaboration underscores our commitment to youth development and creating opportunities for our youth to thrive,” said Karen Santilli, CEO, Greater Providence YMCA. “Programs like Jr. Celtics not only teach essential basketball skills but also instill values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. We believe in the power of community partnerships to enrich the lives of our youth and build a stronger, more connected community.”

Parents and guardians of the Newman, Bayside, Kent, and Cranston Y’s are encouraged to register their children early, as spaces are limited. For more information or to register for the Jr. Celtics program, please visit the front desk at your local YMCA branch or visit ymcagreaterprovidence.org.

About GPYMCA

GPYMCA includes six branch locations across Rhode Island and in Seekonk, Massachusetts, plus Providence Youth Services, Camp Fuller, and the Shooting Stars School of Dance in Seekonk. 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 youth development skills.

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Greater Providence YMCA participated in the annual Race4Chase Triathlon today. This inspiring event, organized in collaboration with the CMAK Sandy Hook Memorial Foundation, honors the memory of Chase Kowalski. In its 11th year, the Race4Chase program aims to provide children with a safe, healthy, and positive outlet through the sport of triathlon.

Participants from various branches of the Greater Providence Y, including the Bayside Family Y, Cranston Y, and Kent County Y, came together with the YMCA of Pawtucket’s MacColl Branch, Newport County Y, and Ocean Community Y’s Westerly-Pawcatuck Branch. Additionally, youth athletes from the Hale YMCA of Greater Hartford (CT) and the Middleboro Branch of the Old Colony YMCA also participated in this event.

The Race4Chase program spanned six weeks, providing children with expert coaching, physical training, and the skills necessary to compete in a youth triathlon. The program emphasized the values of perseverance, discipline, and sportsmanship while fostering a sense of community among participants.

“We’re honored to participate in the Race4Chase Triathlon and bring together young athletes from across our Association,” said Karen Santilli, CEO of the Greater Providence YMCA. “This event is a heartfelt tribute to Chase Kowalski’s memory and helps to reinforce important values like health, wellness, and community spirit in our youth.”

“We are incredibly honored to see the spirit of Chase live on through the Race4Chase program,” said Rebecca Kowalski, President of the CMAK Sandy Hook Memorial Foundation. “This triathlon not only empowers children to achieve their personal best, but also brings communities together to celebrate health, fitness, and the resilience of our youth.”

The triathlon included swimming, biking, and running segments, designed to challenge and engage children of all skill levels. Family members, friends, and community supporters attended and cheered on the participants as they crossed the finish line.

Photo and video footage from the event attached.

About GPYMCA

GPYMCA includes six branch locations across Rhode Island and in Seekonk, Massachusetts, plus Providence Youth Services, Camp Fuller, and the Shooting Stars School of Dance in Seekonk. 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 youth development skills.

CMAK Sandy Hook Memorial Foundation

The CMAK Sandy Hook Memorial Foundation was established to honor Chase Kowalski’s memory by providing children with opportunities to engage in healthy, active lifestyles through various programs and events, including the Race4Chase Kids Triathlon Program. The foundation is dedicated to fostering a sense of community, perseverance, and personal achievement among youth participants.

Providence, RI- The Greater YMCA of Providence (GPYMCA) has been awarded $20,400 in grant funds to promote summertime enrichment and critical initiatives for underserved children and teens in urban communities around Rhode Island.

“Keeping our young people engaged in the summer months is crucial to continued success in the classroom,” said Karen Santilli, CEO of the GPYMCA. “We are so grateful for our partners at DEM and the RI Education Collective for helping us empower and uplift often marginalized students, through expanded access to life changing programming.”

 The RI Department of Environmental Services (RI DEM) provided $12,400 to support scholarships for swim lessons at the GPYMCA’s Cranston and East Side locations. This life saving programming equips kids and their families with skills that encourage safety and help them to be confident in and around water. Approximately 3 in 10 parents report not prioritizing swim lessons or water safety with their child due to cost. Through this funding, families will have the opportunity to access free lessons free of financial burden.

The Y introduced the country to group swim lessons over 110 years ago in 1909. Now, as one of the largest community-based organizations in the country, they teach more than a million children nationwide, especially those most at risk of drowning, invaluable water safety and swimming skills each year.

In addition, the RI Education Collective provided $8,000 to support the GPYMCA’s Providence Youth Services summer programming for multilingual learning students. This innovative camp seeks to reduce summer learning loss for economically disadvantaged and multilingual learning students, through targeted math and literacy interventions paired with engaging enrichment programs. Summer can and should still be a fun time of year for children, but learning doesn’t need to take a break.

For more information on registration and programming, click here.

Barrington, RI – Yesterday, Rhode Island FC joined campers at The Bayside Y’s Camp Manitoo for a fun-filled afternoon of soccer activities. The event included a visit from Rhode Island FC mascot – Chip the harbor seal – and a pick-up soccer match with campers led by Rhode Island FC midfielders Clay Holstad and Marc Ybarra.

“The Bayside Y is super grateful to Marc and Clay from Rhode Island FC for taking the time to play soccer with our members in our net sports summer camp. This experience is something that our campers will hold on to for years to come,” said Ryan Queenan, Bayside Y Executive Director.

“We had a great time spending the afternoon playing soccer with everyone at the Bayside YMCA in Barrington,” said Marc Ybarra, Rhode Island FC Midfielder.

Rhode Island FC, the Ocean State’s only professional soccer team, is headquartered in Pawtucket, RI. The club made its USL Championship debut in March 2024 in its temporary venue, Beirne Stadium on the campus of Bryant University, while its permanent home stadium is completed for the 2025 season. The Stadium at Tidewater Landing in downtown Pawtucket will be a state-of-the-art, soccer-specific stadium with a 10,500+ capacity. The USL Championship is one of the most successful professional soccer leagues in the world, reaching a population of more than 84 million and fueling the growth of the game across North America.

“We were thrilled to have Rhode Island FC visit Camp Manitoo at the Bayside Y. Their presence has not only provided our campers with an unforgettable soccer experience but also highlighted the importance of community partnerships and role models for our youth. These connections inspire our children and help them grow in confidence, teamwork, and passion. We look forward to many more collaborations with Rhode Island FC,” said Karen Santilli, CEO of The Greater Providence Y.

To learn more about summer camp and childcare programming with the Greater Providence Y, visit https://ymcagreaterprovidence.org/programs/camp/. 

– L to R: Ryan Queenan, executive director of Bayside YMCA; Marc Ybarra; Clay Holstad; and Greg Jaroma, assistant camp director, Bayside YMCA.

About GPYMCA

GPYMCA includes six branch locations across Rhode Island and in Seekonk, Massachusetts, plus Providence Youth Services, Camp Fuller, and the Shooting Stars School of Dance in Seekonk. 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 youth development skills.

CRANSTON, RI – The Greater Providence YMCA today announced the completion of facility renovations at the organization’s Cranston-based branch. The renovations mark the most recent investment in the Park Avenue location since 2014. 

“Part of what has empowered the Y to continue to be a lifeline of support and engagement in the communities they serve for well over a century is its ability and commitment to adapt to the evolving needs of the populations we serve,” said Karen Santilli, CEO, Greater Providence YMCA. “Just as – if not as important – as the programming itself is the quality and accessibility of the physical space we provide our member community for each branch location. We’re excited to bring these long needed improvements to the Cranston YMCA and its membership.” 

The expansive improvements were completed over twelve weeks. Renovations include all new flooring throughout the first floor and teen center, new furniture, fixtures, and paint throughout the lobby and entryway, as well as modernized bathrooms.

Established in 1936, the Cranston branch serves 4,949 members and provides 295,492 in programming and support to the surrounding community. The branch officially opened the renovated spaces to the public in April.

“We’ve already seen a positive impact in the dynamic of the branch’s operation with these renovations,” said Emely Castro, Executive Director, Cranston YMCA. “Our team looks forward to using this as an opportunity to reintroduce ourselves to the Cranston community at large to demonstrate how we can inclusively meet the needs of all individuals and families.”

About GPYMCA
GPYMCA includes six branch locations across Rhode Island and in Seekonk, Massachusetts, plus Providence Youth Services, Camp Fuller, and the Shooting Stars School of Dance in Seekonk. 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 youth development skills.

###

Media Contact, for YMCA of Greater Providence
Hillary Lima, Half Street Group
401.585.4286 | hillary@halfstreetgroup.com 

PROVIDENCE, RI – The East Side/Mt. Hope YMCA held Safety Around Water Day in recognition of Water Safety Month. The event included opportunities for attendees to participate in water and land-based training sessions on water safety. The program equips kids and their families with critical life skills that encourage safety and help them to be confident in and around water.

The Y introduced the country to group swim lessons over 110 years ago in 1909. Now, as one of the largest community-based organizations in the country, they teach more than a million children, especially those most at risk of drowning, invaluable water safety and swimming skills each year.

“As I visit our branches and meet more and more members, I often hear that for many of them, swimming was what introduced them to the Greater Providence Y community,” said Karen Santilli, CEO, Greater Providence YMCA. “Our Association is proud to be a state leader in promoting accessible swim programming that promotes safety and healthy childhood development. Thank you to our supporters, especially Senator Jack Reed, Stages of Freedom, the Papitto Foundation, and Bank Newport, for sponsoring these critical services.”

3 in 10 parents report not prioritizing swim lessons or water safety with their child due to cost. This year, the Greater Providence Y is proud to offer this event free to the public with the support of Bank Newport.

About the Greater Providence YMCA
GPYMCA includes six branch locations across Rhode Island and in Seekonk, Massachusetts, plus Providence Youth Services, Camp Fuller, and the Shooting Stars School of Dance in Seekonk. 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 youth development skills.

### 

Media Contact

Hillary Lima (Half Street Group)

hillary@halfstreetgroup.com | 401.585.4286

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Greater Providence YMCA (GPYMCA) held its annual Y Heroes Celebration this morning. The annual event honors individuals and organizations who have made an outstanding commitment to the mission of the GPYMCA.

Funds raised through Y Heroes will support the GPYMCA’s community programming, which includes childcare, financial assistance for neighbors in need, swim lessons, lifeguard training, food inequity programs, and youth enrichment programs.

“I am incredibly grateful to our 2024 Y Heroes for their unwavering commitment to the GPYMCA. Since joining the GPYMCA as CEO in March, I have had the opportunity to meet many incredible individuals who make up the GPYMCA community. Our amazing executive directors, staff, partners, camp counselors, dedicated members, swim instructors, and committed donors have made the GPYMCA one of the region’s most impactful and essential community pillars. It is clear to me that the GPYMCA is filled with heroes dedicated to our mission,” said Karen Santilli, CEO of the Greater Providence YMCA. “This year’s slate of honorees fully embodies our core value that The Y is an organization for everyone. We’re here for the entire community, from childcare and before and after school programming to dance classes, swim lessons, healthy aging, and summer camp.”

2024 Y Heroes Honorees (In alphabetical order);

• Helena Buonanno Foulkes, long time supporter of the GPYMCA
• New England Laborers Training Academy, led by Dan Bianco, Michael Sabitoni, and Jay Sabitoni
• Ray Rickman, Executive Director, Stages of Freedom
• Steven G. O’Donnell, former CEO of the GPYMCA
• University of Rhode Island Greek Life, led by Nathan Goulart and Victoria Johnson

Established by former CEO Steven O’Donnell, the GPYMCA’s Y Heroes Celebration has been recognizing the community contributions of individuals and organizations since 2017.

GPYMCA includes six branch locations across Rhode Island and in Seekonk, Massachusetts, plus Providence Youth Services, Camp Fuller, and the Shooting Stars School of Dance in Seekonk. 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 youth development skills.

###

Media Contact

Elisabeth Wales (Half Street Group)

elisabeth@halfstreetgroup.com | 401.406.0883

PROVIDENCE, RI – The YMCA of Greater Providence (GPYMCA) has hired Karen Santilli as its next CEO. Her first day as the new executive of GPYMCA will be March 4, 2024. Current CEO Steve O’Donnell announced his retirement from GPYMCA late last year.

“Over the last decade, few people in Rhode Island have had the kind of influence and impact as Karen Santilli. She is widely respected and well known for being results-driven and community focused. We are thrilled that she will be leading the YMCA of Greater Providence,” said Steven DellaPosta, GPYMCA’s Board Chair. “Our board and our branch leaders are incredibly grateful for the years of service that Colonel Steven O’Donnell committed to the GPYMCA, and we know that he has laid a firm foundation for Karen to build upon.”

As CEO, Santilli will oversee the organization’s operations and will lead a strategic effort designed to expand membership, programming, and community engagement in Providence and across the region. She will oversee a staff of 500 year-round staff and a team that expands to more than 750 employees each summer.

“The YMCA of Greater Providence is one of the most important, impactful, and lasting community pillars in our region. I am thrilled to lead the YMCA of Greater Providence and steer this organization as it continues to evolve coming out of the pandemic,” said Karen Santilli, incoming CEO of GPYMCA. “My kids learned to swim at the Cranston Y. I know how important our branch YMCAs are, and I believe that each facility ought to reflect the community it serves. As I step into this new role, I am deeply grateful for the work that Steve O’Donnell has done over the last seven years to secure a strong foundation during some of the most difficult and challenge days.”

Santilli has been the CEO of Crossroads Rhode Island, the state’s leading provider of housing and services for people experiencing homelessness, for nearly a decade. At Crossroads, Santilli oversaw the agency’s implementation of a Housing First strategy, led the effort to establish a comprehensive strategic plan, and played a leading role to elevate the state’s focus on housing in recent years. As CEO of Crossroads, she was responsible for a staff of 175, a $30 million annual budget, and a robust program and development portfolio. During her time at Crossroads, Santilli tripled annual private philanthropy.

“The members and staff of the YMCA of Greater Providence are what makes our facilities unique and historic. I am grateful for our community’s tireless effort in transforming us through a pandemic when some YMCAs and other organizations closed forever,” said Steven O’Donnell, retiring CEO of GPYMCA. “I’ll be forever grateful to our donors, supporters, staff, members, vendors, and our Board of directors who have always exercised prudence and fiscal responsibility to allow us to move into a new phase of leadership during my tenure. Karen Santilli is a proven leader with a well-earned reputation being one of the most effective non-profit leaders in southern New England. The GPYMCA is in great hands.”

O’Donnell joined the GPYMCA in 2017 after more than three decades in law enforcement, including two years as the U.S. Marshall for the District of Rhode Island and five years as Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police. As CEO at GPYMCA, O’Donnell helped expand swim programs to serve a more diverse population, oversaw facility upgrades at branches across the system, revitalized the outdoor facilities at the Kent County YMCA, and helped stabilize the organization’s finances during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. O’Donnell also established an annual recognition program that honors organizations and individuals who have supported GPYMCA’s mission and activities. This year’s honorees will be announced in the weeks to come.

GPYMCA includes six branch locations across Rhode Island and in Seekonk, Massachusetts, plus Providence Youth Services, Camp Fuller, and the Shooting Stars School of Dance in Seekonk. 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 youth development skills.

###

Media Contact, for YMCA of Greater Providence
Mike Raia, Half Street Group
401.340.9425 | mike@halfstreetgroup.com

Click below to see the digital program book for the 2023 Y Heroes event:

Click here to view the digital program